ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

My Voice Counts! Campaigns for Youth's Reproductive and Sexual Health: Advocacy and Organizing Toolkit [PDF]

Chapter 3. Making Your Voices Heard

Once you've educated your community or organized your coalition or student group, you're ready to take your message public. This step will help you fine-tune your message, develop your professionalism and enhance the visibility of your campaign. Working with the media will help draw attention to your issue and assist you in persuading policy makers to make necessary changes.

A. Working with the Media

Media coverage is important because it carries your message to a much larger audience than you can reach by yourself. The media influences many people—the public, youth, parents, community leaders, educators, health care professionals, businesses, and elected officials at all levels of government. With some media savvy, you can draw positive attention to your issue and identify supporters of your cause.

The media can also lessen criticism by providing a forum where you and others can explain the complexities of adolescent reproductive and sexual health issues in a thoughtful and factual manner.

There are many parts to working with the media. This section addresses how to write a media advisory, give a good interview, create a good press kit, and write an op-ed/column or a feature article.

How Do I Give an Interview?

Being interviewed does not have to be scary. It's actually easy if you break down your efforts into some simple steps beforehand.

• Talking points. Always go into an event or interview with three key messages or talking points that you want to make. Then make them, no matter what questions are asked.
• Bridge to your key messages or talking points. If a question seems off topic, bring it back around to what you want to say. For example, you might bridge by saying, "That's an interesting question. However, I think the real issue is (insert your media message/talking point)…"
• Be concise. Give answers that are 10 to 15 seconds in length, and always speak in complete sentences. Speaking in complete, short sentences means reporters will not mistake your message or edit it into something else. So, it is less likely that your words will be taken out of context.
• Do not lie. If you do not know an answer to a question, don't make something up. It is okay to say, "I don't know" or "I'm not sure." Always offer to find the answer. Then be sure to get back to the reporter before his/her deadline.
• Ask the deadline. Be sure to ask the reporter's deadline for finishing the piece. Then make sure any follow-up information, statistics, quotes, are sent to the reporter prior to the deadline.
• Prepare answers for tough questions on your issue. Imagine what the tough questions might be and have ready responses.
• Listen to the question carefully. If you did not understand the question, ask the reporter to repeat the question or to clarify what he/she meant. Even when bridging, do not evade tough questions on your issue.

Should I Approach Print Media Differently from Electronic Media?

Yes and No! Short, concise answers are better with all types of media. However, there are differences in the ways television or radio and print media will cover the issue. You will have less time to make your points in a television or radio interview than with print. The "30-second sound bite" is the stuff of television and radio. While print reporters have more flexibility to provide background information on your issue and to include their own narrative in setting up the issue, your quotes should still be short, concise, and punchy.

How Do I Work with Print Media?

Besides being interviewed for a news or feature story, there are other ways to get your issue covered by a newspaper, including (from easiest to hardest): writing a letter to the editor about something that appeared in the newspaper; submitting an op-ed piece (a column giving your point of view on an issue); or getting the newspaper to publish an editorial in support of your issue. All of these are published solely at the discretion of the paper's editors.

Writing Letters to the Editor

The Letters to the Editor section is the most widely read section of a newspaper after the front page. The high readership offers you and your issue a cost-effective way to increase the visibility of your issue and to spread your message. A letter to the editor is usually written in response to a published article, an opinion piece, or current news. As a result, a letter to the editor must be timely.

Strategy

Be sure to remember the five C's when composing a letter to the editor. Always be:

• Current—Do not wait more than two days after the publication of the article to send in a letter to the editor. Better still, e-mail or fax the letter the same day the article appeared. (Call to find out which the newspaper prefers.)
• Concise—Make sure to keep your letter short (under 250 words) and to the point.
• Controversial—Question another's position but avoid personal attacks.
• Contagious—Send your letter to several newspapers, but be sure first to check their policies on multiple submissions. For example, if The New York Times agrees to publish your letter, make sure you haven't sent it to any other newspaper. Encourage others to write letters to the editor.
• Include Contact information. The newspaper will need verification that you are real or may need more information before it will publish your letter.

Writing an Op-Ed

"Op-ed" means "opposite the editorial page." An op-ed is an opinion piece, submitted by you to make the case for your issue. Since publishing an op-ed is solely at the discretion of the newspaper's editors, it is important to make your op-ed stand out. Here is a guide to writing an effective op-ed.

Strategy

• Set the goal of the op-ed. What are you trying to achieve? Do you wish to raise public awareness about the impact of your issue? Do you want to argue for or against a specific policy? Do you want to take your issue and put young person's slant on it?
• Define the audience. Are you trying to reach your neighbors; local, state or federal policy makers; public health officials; youth activists; or someone else?
• Identify the appropriate newspaper. Send your op-ed piece to the local or national paper most likely to reach your desired audience?
• Determine the best time for placement. Is an important policy vote on your issue coming up before a policy making body, such as the city council, school board, state legislature, or Congress? Is a report being released that you think deserves attention? These can be "hooks" for your op-ed piece. On the other hand, if a situation occurs that may divert attention from your op-ed issue, you may want to wait to place it. For example, in the weeks after September 11th, U.S. newspapers were highly unlikely to publish an op-ed focusing on adolescent sexual health.
• Identify an original angle. How can you draw attention to the issue or bring a new perspective to its coverage? Your thinking needs to be original, creative, fresh and groundbreaking. For example, a strong angle could be a very personal story by a youth in the community who has been directly affected by your issue.

Content

• The op-ed must be no longer than 700 to 750 words, typewritten and double-spaced. Remember, however, shorter is better!
• Sentences should be short and punchy (10 or 11 words maximum). Keep sentences active; avoid passive writing.
• Address only one main point in the op-ed.
• Avoid jargon, technical phrases, and acronyms.
• Be sure that all names are spelled correctly and all quotations are accurate.
• The following four pieces are essential parts of an effective op-ed:
  1. The attention grabber—An op-ed should always start with an effective attention getter.
     • Use humor. Use an anecdote or joke and relate it directly back to the issue you are discussing.
     • Talk about people. Talk about yourself and other specific individuals to help the reader identify with you and subject.
     • Keep it current. An op-ed must be about a current issue. Talk about something specific that happened recently and that underscores the issue.
     • Cite an alarming statistic to grab the reader's attention.
  2. The body of the op-ed, a.k.a. "the chain of evidence"—After the opener, move immediately to clearly state the issue and where you stand. This basically means writing a few paragraphs that offer arguments in support of the main point. The "body of evidence" may include:
  • Statistics: Easy to explain with clear, numerical analyses, but not too many; (don't drown the reader in statistics);
  • Quotes: From authorities, especially public figures you might expect to oppose your position, but who actually support it (such as a conservative mayor of your town);
  • Agency positions: The position of a known governing agency on the issue;
  • Analogies: To connect ideas for readers who may not be familiar with the issue;
  • Case studies: Make the issue concrete and memorable for people.
  3. The conclusion—Briefly sum up your point.
  4. The goodbye zinger!—This is a counterpart to the attention grabber and hammers home the message.

Submitting an op-ed

• Submit your op-ed via e-mail to larger newspapers or via fax to smaller papers. Call first to ascertain which the editors prefer.
• Follow up with a phone call to ensure the paper received the op-ed and to provide additional information, if needed by the editor or the newspaper.
• Be sure to include your school or other affiliation, day and evening phone numbers, and your e-mail address.

Getting a Newspaper Editorial

A newspaper editorial is a powerful piece because it represents an endorsement of your issue by the newspaper itself. Generating an editorial requires convincing the newspaper editorial board (usually composed of the newspaper's editors and the news/health reporters who cover your issue) of the validity of your position on an issue and/or giving the board a solid reason to support your issue.

• Learn the names of the editors and writers who cover your issue.
• Schedule an editorial meeting or a time to discuss the issue over the phone. Be polite. Introduce yourself and your organizational affiliation.
• Explain your issue simply, tell why it is newsworthy and why it is important that it be covered NOW.
• Plan your arguments (see talking points above) and practice them. Keep your points brief (one to two minutes) and be prepared to provide proof of any statistics and data you cite.
• Offer to send background information and set up a time for follow-up.
• Send the promised materials and follow up as planned. Offer assistance.
• Keep your issue hot. Often, newspapers have a lot of news to cover, so find new angles and bring attention to newsworthy events and people. Because you are a youth activist working in your community, your local paper could be especially interested in what you are doing.

How Do I Stage a Press Event?

The Press Briefing—A press briefing is organized to provide new information or a new perspective to reporters who specifically cover your issue. The briefing offers an opportunity to update these reporters on recent developments in an issue, with in-depth discussion and a lot of information. The press briefing usually offers a panel of expert speakers on the issue and a time for reporters to ask questions of the expert speakers. The briefing can also take place before a bigger event, such as a conference, a demonstration, or a major speech.

The Press Conference—A press conference is usually planned around a specific event, for example, a research report being released, a bill being heard in the state legislature, or a poll on adolescent reproductive and sexual health. For a press conference, it is usually advisable to request the presence of general assignment reporters (reporters who cover your issue from different perspectives—political, health, science, education) by sending out a press advisory, creating a press packet, and writing a press release prior to the event. A press conference follows the same format as a press briefing: a panel of speakers and a question and answer session. The press conference should be fast moving with the most important speakers first (while the reporters are still available), and with one-on-one press interviews after the briefing, arranged for the speakers to talk individually with reporters.

Considerations for a Press Event

• Have a goal. The goal should be more than simply trying to heighten visibility for your issue. The press event provides an opportunity to get a concise message to a targeted audience. Be strategic! For example, your goal might be to bring wide attention to an important, but little known, new study or to your groundbreaking, grassroots campaign.
• Have a message. Without a clear, concise message, it's hard for a news story to be remembered. Make sure to state your message quickly and memorably. Employing the use of a quick, easy to remember slogan or a catchy visual is a good way to have a hook. For example, "New study shows that condom availability doesn't promote sex, does protect students!"
• Describe the problem. The goal of a press event is, not just to complain about a situation, but also to identify a possible solution. Describe the problem; identify the obstacles; and then provide a solution or make a call to action. For example, the problem is an epidemic of sexually transmitted infections among local high school age youth, one obstacle is that the local school board disapproves of condoms being made available in schools, and the solution is for the school board to change its position on school condom availability.
• Plan. Invite the press. Send out a press advisory. Identify and call specific reporters that you think may be interested. Make it easy for them to attend—hold the event at a time when reporters are available and not on deadline (the time when reporters must have their stories finished and in to their editors). For example, morning is better for many print reporters, whose deadline for the next day's morning edition could be 4 or 5 pm. Reserve a room in advance and make sure that a podium, microphones, water, notepads, and pencils are available.
• Choose speakers:
  • Have a limited number of speakers, ideally two or three. Having too many speakers can cause the event to lack strategic focus and dilute your message. Also, reporters on a deadline will not stay if there are too many speakers.
  • Get speakers who will represent different aspects of the issue while simultaneously supporting your position and proposed solutions. For example, you might ask the author of the new study on condom availability, a supportive public health official, and a young person to speak.
• Create a press packet. Items to include are:
  • Outline of your activist campaign;
  • Press release with punchy quotes from your speakers;
  • Fact sheet and clippings about your issue;
  • Background sheet with the proposed solutions;
  • Copies of the most important charts and other visuals used in the event;
  • Contact information for your spokesperson for the media to call.
• Follow up. Send e-mail or letters thanking reporters who write articles on the event. Clip and retain articles resulting from press events. These will help you gauge the effectiveness of your media work and document your success.
• Send copies of any resulting news articles to Advocates for Youth.

B. Advocacy—the Art of Persuasion

Once you've raised awareness, educated the public, and worked with the media, you're ready to take your message to policy makers. Because policy makers pay attention to issues that get a lot of media attention, it is a good idea to try to raise the visibility of your issue before setting meetings with the policy makers who affect your issue.

What Is Lobbying? It's the Art of Persuasion!

People vote to let their elected officials know how well they're doing. But there are other opportunities to communicate with decision makers, and many different methods for doing so. You can visit, call, or write your elected officials and you can present testimony. Advocacy can occur any time you interact with a policy maker.

Particularly with local policy makers, such as members of the city council or school board, you have many opportunities to share your opinions. For example, you can advocate when you meet a policy maker in the grocery store or at the post office. You can sign up to speak at a public hearing or write to elected officials about your viewpoint.

How Do I Go about Advocating?

Interacting with policy makers can be very exciting. Target your efforts. Survey the policy makers who will be involved in approving the policy or in funding and implementing the program of concern to you. Decide whom to approach and in what order. Develop objectives for each meeting. Start with firm supporters and then move on to those who may be moderately supportive or are undecided on the issue. For example, in regard to a bill pending in the state legislature that would broaden funding for state and local family planning services, begin with legislators on the committee that will first hear the bill and members of a friendly caucus, such as the women's caucus. In regard to school board policy about sex education curricula, start with the school board members who might support a more comprehensive approach.

• Be gracious. Always begin by thanking the policy maker for the opportunity to share your ideas and opinions. Elected officials who support adolescent reproductive and sexual health, in particular, receive a lot of negative attention from the opposition. They will greatly appreciate a sincere "thank you."
• Be professional. Be professional in both dress and manner. Don't say negative things about other policy makers or public figures.
• Be focused. Stick with one issue per call or letter. Talking about more than one topic will only confuse the message and dilute your point.
• Do your homework. As part of your preparation, research the policy maker's position on your issue. You can find this position through voting records, speeches, newspaper articles, debates, and from other organizations that work in related areas. Advocacy organizations, particularly those with political action committees (PACs), often track elected officials' votes and can provide guides to their voting record. Explore the policy maker's personal connection with the issue—does she/he have teenagers or pre-teens? For maximum effectiveness, frame your presentation within your knowledge of the elected official's constituency, views, background, and interests. People find different arguments compelling; use the most persuasive argument for this person at this time. It may help if you role-play what you will say at the meeting, and practice responding to possible comments or questions from the policy maker.
• Make a personal connection. No matter how insignificant you may feel the connection to be, if you have friends, relatives, and/or colleagues in common, let the policy maker know! Especially let the policy maker know if you are a constituent! The decision making process can be very informal and, although a personal connection will make no difference to your presentation, it may make a big difference in how effective you are.
• Consider yourself an information source. Policy makers have limited time and staff to devote to any one issue. They can't be as informed on all the issues—or on the ones that concern you—as they would like to be. You can fill the information gap. Encourage the policy maker's questions about the program or issue by engaging in discussion and offering more information.
• Tell the truth. There is no faster way to lose credibility than to give false or misleading information to a policy maker.
• Know who else is on your side. It is helpful for a policy maker to know what other groups, individuals, state agencies, and/or legislators are working with you on an issue. Providing this information also illustrates that your group represents many voters. Bringing coalition members and other youth in on lobbying efforts is important. So, keep in touch with your allies, coordinate advocacy efforts, and share relevant information.
• Know the opposition. Anticipate who may be in the opposition—both individuals and organizations. Tell the policy maker what the opposition's arguments are likely to be and provide clarification and rebuttal. Elected officials appreciate being able to anticipate criticism, so this will make a real difference in your effectiveness.
• Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something. If a policy maker wants information you don't have, or asks something you don't know, say you don't know. Then, offer to get the information, and DO IT! Be sure to get back to him/her promptly with the information you promised.
• Be specific in what you ask for. If you want a vote, information, answers to a question, a signature on a petition—whatever it is—make sure you say so directly. Make sure you get a response—yes or no—to your request.
• Follow up. Find out if the policy maker did what he/she promised. Send a letter, restating your position and thanking her/him for supportive action taken or asking for an explanation for an unsupportive action.
• Stay informed. The status of policy decisions and/or legislation changes quickly and often. Amendments or other committee actions can change a policy radically and with little publicity. The sponsor of the policy or legislation can identify where it is and what its current language is.
• Don't burn any bridges. It is easy to get emotional over strongly felt issues. But, it is far more important to maintain a good relationship with the policy maker so that you can return to her/him on this or another issue. Don't get into a heated argument with a policy maker. Never threaten elected officials! Remember that your strongest opponent on one issue may be your greatest supporter on another!
• Remember, you are the boss. The government works for you. Tax dollars pay elected officials' salaries, the paper they write on, and the phones they use. You are the employer; the policy maker is the employee. So, be courteous, but don't feel intimidated.

How Do I Communicate with Policy Makers, by Letter, Fax, or E-Mail?

• Identify policy makers you want to target. Mail, fax, or e-mail a letter to your own representatives, to all members of the committee dealing with your issue, or to every member of the policy making body. You can access a database of elected national and state officials by going to Advocates for Youth's Take Action Center. Still, if you send e-mail to policy makers, just remember that a few policy makers still pay less attention to e-mail than to letters sent through the mail. On the other hand, mail is extra slow in getting to many policy makers these days, because of safeguards against terrorism. Whether you send e-mail, fax, or a written letter, it is very important to include your contact information, including home address and phone number, so that the elected official knows that you are a constituent.
• Always ask for some action. If you are writing about a specific bill remember to ask the elected official to either support or oppose the legislation. Your letter will be more effective if it concentrates on a specific issue or a particular bill. Refer to the issue at the beginning of the letter, or, if referring to a bill, cite the sponsor, bill title, and bill number. Include the bill's status, what committee has it, and when a public hearing was held or will be held on it. Following are samples of how to start your letter:

  Dear Ms. Jones
  I am writing to address the school board's policy on sex education in the public schools of this District.
  
  Dear Representative Jones:
  I am writing to urge your support of H.R. 2931, currently before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

• Be brief and succinct. A succinct one-page letter will have far more impact than a letter that goes on and on for ten pages. Outline your main point in the first paragraph and discuss only one issue. State clearly how you want the elected official to vote. For background, you might also include a newspaper clipping or single fact sheet presenting the issue in greater depth. Remember, your letter should speak briefly to five W's: who you are, what you are writing about, why it's important, what you want the policy maker to do, and where you can be reached.
• Make it personal. Elected officials and their staff are more likely to pay attention to and remember letters that include real life experiences. Explain why the issue is important to you and how the policy, legislation, or decision will affect you and others in your area. Briefly describe a personal experience that illustrates your point. Mass campaigns with stock messages impress policy makers less than heart-felt letters from constituents.
• Identify your relationship with the policy maker. If you are a constituent and/or have another connection with him/her, say so at the beginning of the letter. Include your name and address. This enables the policy maker to respond to your letter, indicates your voting district, and gives an extra incentive for the elected official to pay attention to you.
• Ensure that the policy maker receives your letter. When the policy making body is in session, send your letter to the offices of the state legislative body, county council, etc. Out of session, use the address of the policy maker's home or personal office. For e-mail, check whether the policy maker uses different e-mail addresses at different times or for different purposes.
• Follow up. Make a quick call to confirm receipt of the letter. You can simply say to the receptionist: "I'm calling Ms. Jones to make sure she received my letter about the school board's sex education policy." Leave your name and phone number. Continue to call or write until your receive acknowledgment of your letter.
• Send a final reminder about the policy decision that concerns you. Find out when the decision will be made and, just before the vote, send a postcard or e-mail or leave voice mail, reminding the policy maker of the position you support. As before, include the bill number and title, if appropriate. This will let the policy maker know that you continue to follow this issue and that her/his vote is still important to you.
• Thank the policy maker if he/she voted with your position. Politely let him/her know that you are disappointed, if the vote was contrary to your position.

How about Face-to-Face Visits with Policy Makers?

• Schedule a meeting. Call the policy maker's office and schedule a meeting. Make the appointment far enough in advance to allow you time to prepare. Confirm the meeting and invite other people also working on this issue to also participate in the meeting. Keep a record of who attended, what information was shared, and any actions promised by the policy maker an/or promised to the policy maker.
• Be flexible. Expect interruptions and changes in schedule or staff availability. If you can't meet with a policy maker, try to meet with the appropriate staff member or reschedule for another time.
• Be prompt. Don't be late, as it sets a bad tone for the meeting before it has even started. If you are running late, call ahead and let the policy maker's office know that you will be late. If you will be late, ask if the appointment should be rescheduled.
• Be prepared. Make the most of your visit. Plan your presentation in advance and divide up roles, including a note-taker, among those planning to attend. Plan a five-minute presentation (10 minutes at the most) and expect to spend no more than 15 minutes with the policy maker. Make your important points in a clear and succinct manner. Briefly note personal relationships and whether any of you are the policy maker's constituents.
• Leave materials behind. Develop a slender packet of information to leave with the policy maker. The packet should include a short (one- to two-page) summary regarding the organization you represent, the issue you raise, and your request for action. The packet can also include background information about the issue and one or two press clippings, such as an editorial supporting your position. Do not leave so much information that no one wants to look through it.
• Follow up by sending a note thanking the policy maker for her/his time. Include information that he/she can use to support the position you want, or which may move the policy maker to support your position.
• Take advantage of opportunities. A meeting with policy makers can take place anywhere—in the state house hallways, at an unrelated event, or in the local grocery store. Take advantage of unexpected opportunities to speak with policy makers.

How about Communicating with Policy Makers by Telephone?

• Identify yourself, giving your name and address. If you are a constituent, say so.
• Identify the issue of concern to you. When referring to a bill, use its number and its title.
• State your position and how you would like the policy maker to vote.
• Ask for the policy maker's position on the bill or issue. If supportive, ask for a commitment to vote for your position. If opposing or undecided, thank the policy maker for the information, but don't argue. Ask what information would help her/him to become a proponent. If the policy maker is unavailable, leave a detailed message with a staff member. The staff member may also be able to describe the policy maker's position on the issue.
• Follow up by sending a note thanking the policy maker for his/her time. Include information that he/she can use to support the position you want, or which may move the policy maker to support your position.

What If I Want to Provide Testimony?

When committees and subcommittees hear views from constituents on a certain topic, it is called "testimony." Arrangements for presenting testimony vary by the policy making body. In most areas, you can speak at meetings or make a presentation to the city council or school board. Call the offices of your representative to find out how to schedule a presentation. If you want to present testimony before the state legislature, the state legislative research office will be able to tell you the procedure to be followed. Usually, you can arrange to present testimony by calling the bill's sponsor, the chair of the committee considering the bill, or your legislator. Once your testimony or presentation is scheduled:

• Draft a five-minute speech. Begin by thanking the committee members for allowing you to present your views. Make the testimony interesting, personal, and compelling.
• Include information about what you believe the policy's effects would be, as well as a few compelling statistics about the situation the policy will address.
• Print your testimony. Include your name, address, organizational affiliation, and the policy topic or bill number at the top of the first page. Ask staff how many copies of your testimony to bring to the hearing.
• Attach easy-to-read background information—such as a newspaper article or fact sheet.
• Practice your speech until you are very comfortable with it. Practice will also help lessen your nervousness. Time your delivery to ensure that you don't go over five minutes.
• Expect questions from the policy makers, particularly from those opposing your viewpoint, and come prepared to address their concerns.

How Do I Deal with Agreement or Opposition from Policy Makers?

What if the policy maker STRONGLY AGREES with my position?

• Thank the policy maker.
• Ask the policy maker to take a leadership role on the issue in the policy making body, the media, and/or the community. It is appropriate to ask the policy maker to:
  • Write an article for a newsletter
  • Sign a petition or letter of support
  • Permit public use of the his/her name
  • Sponsor a bill
  • Offer amendments to policy or legislation
  • Make speeches at public forums
  • Agree to vote for, or against, a resolution.
• Ask the policy maker's advice about others to talk with, what arguments make the best case for the issue, and what media strategy will be most effective in gathering support for the policy.
• Ask what information or constituency would be helpful in swaying additional policy makers to your position. Then work to produce these materials or advocates.
• Ask the policy maker to "lobby" undecided colleagues. Provide a list of these undecided colleagues.
• Thank the policy maker again.

What if the policy maker AGREES with my position?

• Thank the policy maker.
• Assure the policy maker of your continued interest in the issue and your continued support for the position he/she has taken.
• Ask if the policy maker would be willing to help in any way beyond voting. If yes, refer to the tips above under STRONGLY AGREES.
• Thank the policy maker again.

What if the policy maker is UNDECIDED or NONCOMMITTAL?

• Inform the policy maker of your interest in the issue or legislation.
• Present the case as clearly and concisely as possible. If possible, ask constituents, including teens, to make the presentation.
• Ask about the policy maker's viewpoint (to learn whether his/her position arises from personal or political factors, a lack of information, misinformation, or a combination of these). Adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Ask if there are specific groups or individuals from whom the policy maker would like to hear on this issue.
• Offer to provide information that will help inform the policy maker about the issue.
• Follow up by providing the information you promised and/or that addresses the policy maker's reservations.
• Once the policy maker has indicated a position, express thanks for her/his support or disappointment for non-support.
• Keep in touch to nurture the relationship.

What if the policy maker is OPPOSED to my position?

• Thank the policy maker for the opportunity to present your views.
• Determine how strong the policy maker's position is, and upon what it is based. If the opposition is not vehement, it may be worth trying to change his/her position.
• If the policy maker appears movable, present information that addresses his/her concerns. Make sure that the policy maker hears from constituents who support your position. Strategize and present the case most likely to resonate with this particular policy maker.
• Stay in touch to nurture the relationship with the policy maker.

What if the policy maker is STRONGLY OPPOSED to my position?

If the policy maker is strongly opposed to your position, ask him/her not to lobby colleagues on the issue. If you expect a close vote and cannot win without his/her cooperation, ask him/her to "walk" (be absent) when the vote occurs.

• If the policy maker is strongly opposed, write and express your disappointment in the position and/or vote taken. Don't waste your time and energy trying to move this particular policy maker. But be polite. The policy maker might be your ally on another issue, at another time.

Source/Citation:
Azrak S et al. My Voice Counts! Campaigns for Youth's Reproductive and Sexual Health: Advocacy and Organizing Toolkit. Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 2005.

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