How To Lobby

Yorrk Chapter Day Inside the Beltway Visit • May 13, 2009

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Overview

• Logistics for visits with elected officials

• What to expect

• How to conduct a meeting

• Summary of issues to be discussed during Hill visits

• Tips and tactics from congressional staff

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Capitol Hill Logistics

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How to Lobby Your Member of Congress (MOC)

Select a meeting leader to provide:Select a meeting leader to provide:

• Group introduction

• SHRM introduction

• Issue introduction

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How to Lobby

Issues to Cover in the Senate:Issues to Cover in the Senate:

1. Workplace Flexibility

Issues to Cover in the House:Issues to Cover in the House:

1. Employment verification

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How to Lobby

Employment Verification: Key PointsEmployment Verification: Key Points

• Fixing the federal employment verification system by establishing a reliable and efficient state-of-the-art electronic system is the only way to guarantee a legal workforce

• H.R. 2028 provides a new, user-friendly electronic employment verification system by replacing the current paper-based and error-prone method of verifying employment eligibility  

• SHRM encourages members of the House to cosponsor H.R. 2028, the New Employee Verification Act

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Workplace Flexibility: Key PointsWorkplace Flexibility: Key Points

• SHRM opposes the Healthy Families Act because it represents an unworkable, one-size-fits-all mandate

• SHRM believes employers should offer voluntary paid sick leave, but employers are best situated to know the benefit preferences of their workforce

• SHRM welcomes dialogue and debate on a workplace flexibility policy for the 21st Century

How to Lobby

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Your AdvantagesYour Advantages

• You are the expert

• Only 2 out of 535 Members of Congress have an HR background

• You deal with these issues on a daily basis, and understand their real world implications

• You are their constituent, and represent employers throughout the state

How to Lobby

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Remember you are representing SHRM and your organization

Clearly explain what impact the proposed issues will have on your workplace

Use workplace experiences that relate to the issue – tell your personal story

State your position

Ask official/staff to state their position on the issue

How to Lobby

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Thank them for their time and offer to be a resource

Leave supporting documents

Leave a business card and ask for the staff member’s business card

Follow up – send a thank you note that reiterates your position

Maintain the relationship you just created

How to Lobby

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Questions

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Recardo GibsonRecardo GibsonMember Advocacy Member Advocacy

SpecialistSpecialistSHRMSHRM

recardo.gibson@shrm.orgrecardo.gibson@shrm.org

703-535-6091