Curriculum: How to Lobby and Build Relationships (Notes from our training event)

Defining the issue

1. How to research
2. Sources and Options available to research
   1. Congress Daily
   2. Thomas Register
3. Develop your Position
   1. Who do you represent
   2. What are your numbers know them and flaunt them
   3. Who are your supporters/opponents
4. Document Advantages/Disadvantages
   1. Keep current of changes
5. Documentation/Presentation of position
   1. Define intent in as few words as possible
   2. Prioritize supporting items
6. Be factual, not emotional

Know Who to Lobby

1. Listing of all senators and house members/committee assignments and districts they represent

2. Become a resource to your legislators

Know how a Bill becomes Law

1. Understand the process of bill introduction
2. Committee assignment
3. House route and Senate route
4. Conference Committee
5. House and Senate passage
6. Governor or Presidential signature and how to be involved in the ceremonies

Communications/Outreach

1. Getting grassroots support/ building coalitions
   1. Building support with other organizations
2. Building support/agreement with supporting legislators
   1. Getting commitments
3. Building public awareness
   1. Press
   2. Op/Eds
   3. Community newsletters
   4. Communicating with Legislators
4. General protocols
   1. Written Communications
   2. Hill visits or Home visits
5. Hill Visits
   1. Setting up appoints
   2. Preparation for visit
6. Your preparation
   1. Know where the legislator stands on issue
   2. Preparing Legislative staff for visit
   3. Follow Up
7. Follow up
8. Next steps

Kansas City Council of Women Business Owners, 2002-2004