Episode 196: September, Set, GO!
It’s a new season! It’s a new day and L. Joy is reminding us that we must pay attention to more than the happenings on the Federal level, there are actions happening locally. This September, time to get our strategies together, get set to visit with our elected officials, and go to work. To help with strategy and tips for lobbying for our communities, L. Joy revisits her interview with New York State lobbyist Jacqui Williams.
Homework:
READ: Battle for Bed-Stuy: The Long War on Poverty in New York City to see how a neighborhood came together to fight for their community. https://amzn.to/3CPHp3F
L. Joy’s tips for Lobbying for your community:
Be a constituent of the people you are speaking to. That is where you have power. Calling from NYC about an issue in Arizona doesn’t have the impact that someone in Arizona (in the representative’s district) calling does.
Do the research-know the issue you are advocating for inside and out and whether or not the person you are speaking to is for, against, or is even aware of the issue.
Has there been hearings held on the issue you wish to discuss or not (yet, you are advocating).
Remember, be a resource on the issue for the Representative. They may not know about it and you will be educating them on the issue.
Be on time, although the rep may not be on time.
It is ok to meet with staff.
Make a direct ask i.e. "Can we count on your vote on….?"
Follow up. Follow up. Follow up.
Our Guest:
Jacqui Williams is a registered lobbyist and the founder of 99 Solutions, LLC, a full service government relations and consulting firm. In this interview with L.Joy, Jacqui shares more about the lobbying profession, the role lobbyists play in government, the unique role lobbyists of color play, and role of a hired lobbyist.
In addition to fighting for her clients' goals, she embraces the diversity of New York by creating economic opportunities for businesses and communities that are under-utilized, while managing to balance those interests with those of her clients.
