Lobbying 101, HSUS Programs

Excerpted from “Save the Animals,
101 Easy Things You Can Do”, by Ingrid Newkirk

• Help political candidates who are sympathetic to animal issues get elected by joining their campaigns.

• Support animal protective legislation.

• Get acquainted with your elected officials. Find out who they are by calling the county board of elections or the League of Women Voters for a list of federal, state, county, and city officials. Get to know as many legislators as you can. Attend town meetings where legislators mingle with voters and where you can stand up and let them know you want them to learn about animal protection and act to prevent it. Always thank them for taking the right position. Get to know the elected officials’ aids, who are often more accessible, and who can provide you with timely “inside” information.

• When meeting personally with an elected official:
  • Make an appointment well in advance
  • Dress conservatively and professionally.
  • Be prompt and patient.
  • Be friendly and Positive.

• Don’t Forget to:
  • Do your homework ahead of time
  • Learn about the legislator and her/his voting record.
  • Compliment her/him on past accomplishments.

• Know your facts, provide one-page fact sheets and/or background information, make your points clearly and succenctly —and reasonably.

• Always thank the legislator for her/his time.

• Capitalize on elected officials’ understandable fear of bad press and penchant for photo (and other media-friendly) opportunities.

• Write letters. When writing to an elected official, discuss only one issue in each letter, and keep it short (one page.) Legibly hand written letters are best —the more personal the letter appears, the more seriously it will be taken. Use personal or business stationery with a return address, and if you are a constituent, make that clear. Spell out all important details of the issue (don’t assume the official knows anything about it), support your argument with facts, and state clearly and simply what you want her/him to do. Don’t be vague.

• When writing U.S. representatives and senators, use the proper form for the address and salutation. Legislators are called "Honorable" on the envelope and as part of the inside address. The salutation for state or federal representatives is “Mr.” or “Ms.” The salutation for state or federal senators is “Senator.” The address for a U.S. representative is: The Honorable __________ ; U.S. House of Representatives; Washington, DC 20515. The address for a U.S. senator is: The Honorable __________ ; U.S. Senate; Washington, DC 20510. The address for the president is: President Bush; 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; Washington, DC 20516.

• Sample postcard:

  Dear [legislator’s name]:

  I am writing to urge your support of H.R. 2596, the bill to have the Silver Spring monkeys released to a sanctuary. These animals have suffered greatly and deserve to live out their remaining years in peace. Thank you.

  Sincerely,
  [Signature]
  [Name, Address]

  ---

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November 08, 2003