What to Know Before You Go!

What to Know Before You Go!YWCA USA

Your Checklist

Three Homework Assignments

Five Keys for Being Heard on Capitol Hill

Logistics

About the Webinar

TOPICS

About the webinar

• Muting• Questions• Toolbar• Follow-up materials and recording

• Former DC Staff Director for Rep. Blumenauer

• Former Lobbyist National Public Radio

• Author 5 books on Advocacy

• My latest book, The Influence Game is out!

Who’s Speaking?Stephanie Vance

Welcome from the YWCA of the USA

Where are We Starting From?

Let’s go to the poll…

Logistics of the Conference

Conference Agenda

Scheduling Process

Meeting Details

• Meeting with Member• Meeting with staff • Length• Location• Lunch – Capitol Hill Cafeterias (inc.

hours)

A Key Logistic – What to Wear!

Getting Around Capitol Hill

“Stress Free Lobby Days” App

• Access to Lobby Day Schedule with automated updates

• Personalized login• Maps to congressional

buildings• Notes section• Dining and

entertainment options

10 Things NOT to Say

• “But you’re not important”• “How much campaign money did you

get?”• “I assume you know all about H.R.

1234”• “Here’s our 300 page annual report”• “I don’t have an appointment – I just

want to take ½ hour of your time”

10 Things NOT to Say

• “I don’t really have anything specific to talk about”

• “We have 25 people in our group”• “What do you mean we have to stand

in the hall?• “What you’re telling me can’t be right.

I heard Jon Stewart say…”

Number 1 Thing NOT to Say

“No, I’m not from your state. I just thought you’d be interested in what I have to say.”

FIVE KEYS TO BEING HEARD

Number One: Look at the Larger Context

On the Agenda for 2013• Budget• Sequestration• Debt Ceiling• Immigration• Education and

Secondary Act Reauthorization

• Workforce Investment Act

• Afghanistan• Korea

• Gun Control• Election Reform• Farm Bill• Iraq • Tax Reform• Unemployment• Cyber-Security• Renewable Energy• Perkins Act

Reauthorization

… and that’s just the beginning

The Larger Context:Messages That Resonate

Number Two:Know What You Want

Homework Assignment

• Review the issue papers

• YWCA USA Advocacy Department is here to help!

Number Three:Know Who You’re Talking To

Who You’re Talking To:Some Notes on Staff (and Why It’s Often

BETTER to Meet With Them!)

• Talk to the Right Person• Remember, Your Issue Is

One of Many • Staff Contact Has

Advantages Over Member Contact

• Institutional Memory in an Elected Official’s Office Can Be Short

• Expect (and Appreciate) Youth

Homework Assignment

Find out who represents you and learn about them:

• Identify YOUR legislators (http://capwiz.com/ywca/home/)• Visit their individual websites and read press releases• Check out what bills they’ve introduced

(www.congress.gov)• Sign up for their e-newsletters• Check out their current YWCA scorecard• Check their views on www.votesmart.org• Check their campaign contributions on

www.opensecrets.org• Connect via social media

Pick one or two -- no need to be overwhelmed!

Number Four: Know How to Talk to Them

Use the S.P.I.T. TechniqueSpecific, Personal, Informative and Timely

Homework ResourceThe Message Formula

• Hello, my name is [] and I’m from [] (establishes relevancy)

• I am here to talk to you about [key asks]

• Knowing of your interest in [info about your audience] I think you’ll be interested as well

• This is important to the people I represent because [personal story]

• That’s why I really hope you’ll [ask]

• I’d like to follow-up by [follow-up ideas]

• Contact information?

Number Five: Know How to

Follow-Up

At Home:Use ALL Your Influence Strategies

Homework Assignment

• Prepare your follow-up plan before you walk in the door!

• YWCA’s National Day of Service

• How / when will you write thank you notes?

• Ask about their upcoming town hall meetings

• What can you show them at home?

• When could you meet with their staff?

Perhaps Most Important?Have Fun!

Fun Is GoodDr. Seuss

iStockPhoto.com

Your Checklist

What are you asking for? Why might your audience want that? What compelling story can you share? How can you best connect with staff? What can you do to follow-up?

Schedule your site visit Schedule a local meeting Attend a townhall Connect on social media

Go Forth and Advocate!