How does one become a lobbyist?

[BlueStorm]

I am curious because I would like to speak to my state represeentatives about this program called Work First that is a "welfare-to-work" program. I'm not on welfare but disability so it is a different thing. My sister is on welfare and quite frankly from what I have heard from her and others is that all you do is sit around for about 8 hours putting in applications online and also drive around and put in applications.

There is no type of vocational or educational training and that really is too bad. There are many who are on the system that have to go through this program and it is very fruitless. She could get cut off if she doesn't participate and that is pretty much messed up. I know I could write to my reps but that seems pointless to me.

So I am wondering how can an "average Jane" like me start lobbying or is it a fruitless effort?

Blue

[Warpy]

1. That's the problem, they abandoned training.

They just want people off the dole at the end of two years. They don't care if they're sick, if they go hungry, if they become homeless and lose their kids, they just want them off the list of people being helped.

Nobody's bothering to keep track of them, either. The Clinton administration didn't care and this one sure as hell doesn't.

[BlueStorm]

4. They should bring training..

I know we are in a tight bind right now, but I do believe that we shouldn't abandon these people on welfare. How can you tell a single mother with three kids (which my sister is) that she better go through some "welfare-to-work" program, that is nothing but a sham, who has no diploma or any kind of vocational training or else get cut off. If you really want people to get off of welfare then you need to help them get some kind of vocational training or such.

Blue

[MonkeyFunk]

2. It's not at all fruitless

It's usually not too hard to get a few minutes with a state representative. It's easier if you represent a group, though.

Put together a package of material on the subject and send it to his or her office with a request for a face-to-face meeting. Phone the local office and ask if you can arrange a brief meeting the next time he or she is in town.

Bring a backup package of materials when you DO meet just in case the original isn't available.


On edit: it's also best to come prepared with a solution, not just the problem. If there's currently any specific legislation on your issue in the pipeline, ask your rep to support it. If not, ask if you can count on him to introduce some.

[BlueStorm]

5. Where can I get such information though?

I am usually not that resourceful when it comes to statistics and such.

Blue

[MonkeyFunk]

7. I would suspect

there may already be an organization or lobby concerned with issues of vocational training. I have no idea what they'd be in your area, but maybe Google would help find one. I'd search for non-profits with the names "education", "training", "vocational", etc. in their titles. Best of luck!

[MonkeyFunk]

8. One more suggestion

Your profile says you're in Michigan, so I'd contact the Michigan Public Interest Research Group.

The PIRGs are masters at citizen-lobbying and may be able to direct you to the right place, OR it may even be an issue they're already working on.


http://www.umich.edu/~pirg/

[aein]

3. go to Georgetown University Law Center (GULC)

[ewoden]

6. Spontaneous deevolution. First one must lose the spine n/t

[Lurking Dem]

9. I lobbied for years.

Technically, any time a citizen goes to a lawmaker to push for passage of a bill or program they are "lobbying".

You have a couple of methods.

One is to hook up with an organization that plans Hill efforts en masse. They arrange meetings with Congresscritters or their staff (more likely), you divvy up the buildings and hallways and go.

If you are on your own, you need to call the various offices and set appointments. Figure out ahead of time what you need to say. Print something aesthetically pleasing to hand over to staff. Find out who you need to talk to - there will be a staffer for medical related, one for current legislation, etc.

You will have very strict time limits with each staffer. As they get to know you you will start getting appointments with the actual Congresscritter. They often, depending on schedules, will get you in to your state's Reps and Senators.

Your presentation needs to be crisp, clean, and timed. You will often feel like you are beating your head against a brick wall but as a life experience it is very hard to beat.

You can get a Congressional directory which lists all the phone and fax numbers from Congress. Do NOT waste time with those you know will not listen to you but make sure your info/presentation gets to their staffer anyway.