Around The Corner Blog

Do you have an effective Grassroots Strategy for your Legislative Issue?

When it comes to passing (or maybe killing) an issue in the legislative process, the first thing that comes to mind is to hire a lobbyist(s) to pursue the issue.  But often times those wanting to pass or kill an issue forget who was responsible for electing the legislators that are casting the votes in committee or on final passage.  Who am I talking about?  The voters/constituents.  And they aren't necessarily for hire or even in the halls of the state Capitol.  A sound strategy will include the use of  lobbyists, strategic communications and media, but a key ingredient to tie it all together is the use of good, old fashioned grassroots.

Most everyone is familar with the use of a lobbyist. They are the experts in the halls of most Capitals.  Some might have served in the legislature which they now lobby.  Others come from the ranks of professional staff. And then there are those that are experts in a particular subject area. When a lobbyist is hired, you are buying access to their rolodex and expertise.  Their insider knowledge and ability to move the ball is critical to a clients needs by knowing the pitifalls and history of an issue. Access to Leadership, Committee Chairs and top staff comes with the territory, but what a insider might not be able to bring to the table is the ability to move constituents.

When most think about grassroots and grasstops, the first thing that comes to mind is a candidate campaign.  But just like a candidate works local groups and individuals for support on election day, the same methods can be true for influencing issues.  While the lobbyist has the activity covered in the state Capital, the coordination of a grassroots and grasstops campaign back in the legislative districts can solidify the passage or defeat of an issue.  By targeting key constituents and supporters, you help persuade the actions of that hometown Legislator.  It is one thing to tell a hired gun that they support or oppose an issue, but when a Legislator begins to get communications from folks in their backyard - now you have their undivided attention.

So the next time an issue goes to committee or for floor action, take an active approach by identifying key constituents and activate a grassroots campaign.  Do you have the tools to conduct a grassroots campaign as part of your strategy to pass or defeat an issue?