Six Practical Tips on How to Lobby

1. Establish your agenda and goals.

• Know what subject you are going to address. Don't overload with issues --
stick to no more than two or three.
• Decide what you would like to get out of the visit, for example: a commitment to offer the course next term, leadership on the importance of this diploma program and a call to honour the commitment made in establishing this program or you may decide the visit is simply informational (what has been your experience in the course and why it is important to you).

Possible Agenda:

1) Narrative on why this course is important and what it means to you
2) Importance of The International Centre of Art for Social Change and the Diploma Program
3) SFU is well positioned to anchor this leadership role – and the profound opportunity this represents for Greater Vancouver (and beyond)

• Allow time for small talk at the outset, but not too much. Remember, it's your
visit.
• If it is a group visit, decide who will start the discussion and put your agenda
on the table.
• Think of one or two questions/issues that can be raised and offer the opportunity for follow-up (When will a decision be made? Is there anyone else we should discuss this with? Will you be preparing a statement explaining your rationale for cutting this program?).

2. Listen well.

• Much of lobbying is listening, looking for indications of the person’s views, and finding opportunities to provide good information.
• If you are meeting with a "silent type," draw her/him out by asking questions.
• If you are confronted with a "long-winded type," look for openings to bring
her/him back to the point.

3. Be prepared, but don't feel that you need to be an expert.

• Leaders at a senior level may be generalists, like many of us. Do your homework, but don't feel that you need to know every little detail of an issue.
• Air personal feelings and experiences where appropriate. Relate the concerns of
your friends and members of the community.
• Know when to admit "I don't know," and offer to follow up with the information.
• Be open to counter-arguments, but don't get stuck on them. Don't be argumentative or confrontational.
Background on the course: “Exploring Arts for Social Change: Communities in Action” and The International Centre of Art for Social Change and the Diploma Program
• http://www.icasc.ca/taxonomy_menu/1/6/47
• http://www.icasc.ca/programs

4. Don't stay too long.

• Try to get closure on your issue. If you hear what you had hoped for, express
your thanks and leave. If you reach an impasse, thank her/him, even if
disappointed, and say so. Leave room to continue the discussion at another
time.

5. Remember you are there to build a relationship.

• If the person is good on an issue you've been involved in or has supported your position in the past, be sure to acknowledge your appreciation during the course of the visit.
• If the opposite is true, think of the phrase, "No permanent friends, no
permanent enemies." Some day, on some issue of importance to you, s/he
may come through. In the meantime, your visit may prevent the official from
being an active opponent. In other words, you may help to turn down the
heat on the other side.

Follow-up is important.

• Be sure to send a thank-you note after the visit. If commitments were made
in the meeting, repeat your understanding of them. If staff members were
present, write to them too. They can often be important allies.

Adapted from: Common Cause 1989
November 17, 2011