Post on 28-Mar-2015
transcript
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Engaging Decision Makers Through Grasstops OutreachEnhancing Our Ability to Create Political Will
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Engaging Decision Makers
Constituents
Staff
Colleagues
Media
Paid Lobbyists
Experts
Personal History
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Engaging Decision Makers
Constituents
Action Network R Advocates Grasstops
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What the Heck is Grasstops?
“..mobilizing influential leaders in each community who can reach lawmakers at the federal, state and local levels, with facts tailored to their district's interests.” —PR Quarterly
“The companies specialize in a cutting-edge form of influence peddling called "grass tops," which attempts to get prominent local citizens and organizations to lobby on behalf of interest groups.” –Washington Post
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Grasstops
People with more influence than the average resident
They could be: business owners, issue experts, heads of departments, other government leaders, people with money, academics, local celebrities, relatives, party supporters, faith leaders, and others
They aren’t necessarily group members, but people we cultivate to take key actions on our behalf
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What Can Grasstops Do?
Open doors for meetings
Shape public opinion
Build the local group
Get decision makers to take action
Mobilize donors
Create persuasive pressure
Generate media coverage
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How Does One Engage Grasstops?
Through our existing connections and those of friends, family, colleagues
Becoming part of leadership groups (Rotary and other service groups)
Commenting on something they have done
Attending community events and public meetings
Cold calls
Other ideas:
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Why Would They Want to Help?
People like to use their positions for good
They care about the issues as much as many others
You provide them with an opportunity to leverage who they are
You appreciate what they do
They see that they can really make a difference
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Who Did You Engage & How?
Bob Dickerson, Seattle WA
Beth Wilson, Gig Harbor WA
Roxanne Allen & Sandra Duckert, Albuquerque NM
David Schubert, Houston, TX
Margaret Smith Dallas, TX
Frances Moore, Omaha NE
Eloise Sutherland, Austin TX
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Exercise: Who Will I Engage?
Mapping to your member of Congress
Mapping to you
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Key Engagement Questions
Could you help me make a connection?
Who do you think would care about this?
Who do you know that might help me get the Rep’s or Senator’s attention?
Would you be willing to recommend that people get involved with us?
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Exercise #2: The Dialogue
Find one person on your grasstops list you want to engage and practice the conversation you’ll have with him/her.
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What Did We Learn