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What IS Lobbying Anyway?

"Lobbying" is participation in the legislative process.

Grassroots lobbying is how we, the people, engage our policy makers and utilize the power we have as constituents.

This can mean writing a letter or sending a fax or email to your Member of Congress, meeting with an aide in your Congressperson's office, or making a follow-up phone call to make sure your Member of Congress has the most up-to-date information available.

Keys to Effective Lobbying:

Asking for something specific

Being persistent

Building a relationship

As a lobbyist, you have a tool box of tactics you can use to effectively advocate for the policies you want. It's important that you and your group consider what is the best way to make your voice heard.

Sample Legislative Tactics Include:

Write a letter, fax, or email

Call the Washington and/or district office of your Member of Congress

Build a coalition

Gather petition signatures

Start a letter, phone, fax, or email blitz

Submit Letters to the Editor

Solicit endorsements or sign on letters

Attend a town meeting

Organize a public event

Solicit media attention

Stage a media event

Conduct a voter registration drive

Join Get-Out-The-Vote efforts

Do a banner drop

Bird-dog along the election trail

Consider escalating tactics, such as a sit-in

Check out the other resources in the Legislative Action Center for sample materials and background information.

$20,000 Challenge

We're over halfway there! Help us to meet the May 2012 $20,000 Challenge. Only $8,944 to go! Will you help SOA Watch meet the challenge with a donation today?

Please click here to donate today and help us meet the challenge!

New DVD: Somos Una América

Watch the Trailer

Order the DVD

Job Opening: SOA Watch Development and Operations Coordinator

SOA Watch has an opening for a full-time Operations and Development Coordinator in our Washington, DC office. We are looking for someone with a background dealing with finances, and with a strong commitment to the grassroots movement to close the SOA. People of color and women are encouraged to apply. If you are interested or if you can think of someone who would be great for this position, please see http://SOAW.org/work for the job description, requirements and for information on how to apply.

Tell Congress to Close the SOA/WHINSEC
Congress: Close the SOA