We are over a third of the way into the Kentucky 2020 General Assembly and we’ve had multiple members up every week to lobby on behalf of public education in Kentucky. As an educator, you can use personal days in order to attend session
We are over a third of the way into the Kentucky 2020 General Assembly and we’ve had multiple members up every week to lobby on behalf of public education in Kentucky. As an educator, you can use personal days in order to attend session in Frankfort to watch or meet with legislators. In addition to Frankfort, you can always contact legislators at home in your district or through phone and email. Speaking directly with elected officials who represent you is the best way to help shape policy that affects public education.
If you find yourself in Frankfort or meeting with a legislator, there’s 10 Golden Rules to follow when it comes to lobbing.
1. POLITICS IS CONSUMER-DRIVEN
Help your legislator understand why your position is important to his or her constituents. Fight where the legislator lives through grassroots organizations at home.
2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Know your stuff. Understand your issue, the bill you support or oppose, and the legislative process before you approach your legislator. Know who the players are, who decides what, and which issues are hot at the moment.
3. INFORMATION IS POWER
The secret is the distribution of information to legislators and their constituents. Be prepared to give the legislator information he or she can use, including what you are hearing from other legislators and from people back home.
4. A LITTLE PROFESSIONALISM GOES A LONG WAY
Be credible, honest and trustworthy. Never threaten, lie or conceal facts. Stay calm — if you lose your cool, you lose the case.
5. BE POSITIVE
Always make your case without being critical of others’ personalities or motives.
6. THERE ARE NO PERMANENT FRIENDS AND NO PERMANENT ENEMIES
Don’t take your traditional friends for granted. Never write off a legislator just because of party affiliation. Don’t make enemies of legislators — you may need them as friends in the future.
7. BUILD A BOND, NOT A GAP
Research things you might have in common with the legislator. Use shared values to create easy, friendly, frequent communication with legislators.
8. BE A PARTNER
Build coalitions and look for allies among other organizations. Be accessible to legislators and other lobbyists if they have questions or need follow-up information. Become known as a reliable resource.
9. ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY
Aim for consensus rather than for a “victory.” Be willing to settle for making progress toward your goal, getting the bill passed, and fine-tuning it in future sessions.
10. STAY COMMITTED
Remember — you are the expert!! You have a compelling, energizing reason to keep fighting until you get what you need.
Be sure to keep up-to-date using our Legislative Action Center. We have a page for bill summaries for legislation that will affect teachers and students. You can even find scripts to use for bills we have highlighted on #WearRed4Ed Wednesdays.