Lobbying For Regular Folk

1
Lobbying For Regular Folk

• Public Library Association Conference
• March 28, 2008 830 a.m.
• Cindy Ahrens and Chris Olson

2
Choices Who Are Library Advocates?

• Library Trustees
• Friends of Libraries
• Library Users
• Community Leaders
• Library Staff
• Potential Advocates Neighbors, friends, family
  members, etc.

3
Choices Who Should Hear the Library Story?

• Decide Your Appropriate Audience
• Who is U.S. Senator?
• Your State Representative?
• Your County Commissioner?
• The Education Aide for your U.S. Representative?
• Your Library Board Member?

4
Choices How Do I Communicate?

• Telephone Conversation
• Letter by Fax or Mail
• Email
• Personal Visit
• Community Events

5
One of the Best Download It!

• www.ala.org/ala/issues

6
Its Time To Organize The Action Plan

• Define goals and objectives.
• Assess the situation in targeted areas based on
  your objectives.
• Identify critical tasks
• Steering Committee
• Budget
• Volunteers Needed
• Coordination with other groups
• Fundraising

7

• Develop a communications plan
• Define the key message
• Target key audience
• Identify communication strategies and resources
  needed.
• Develop a work plan with tasks, assignments and
  deadlines.
• Document and Evaluate.

8
And Now How It Really Happens!

• Before You Go
• Know Your Legislator
• Prepare a packet of information
• Practical Tips for You
• Create YOUR LIBRARY STORY

9
Your Library Story

• Keep it simple and personal.
• Have a beginning, middle and end.
• Have a good punch line.
• Do not use real names unless you have been given
  permission.
• PRACTICE YOUR LIBRARY STORY!!

10
Hints For Working With Legislators

• Be On Time and Prepared
• First Impressions
• Keep In Touch
• Delivery the Message
• Be A Player
• Ending and Follow-Up

11
Library Lobbying Opportunities

• Community Library Forums
• State Legislative Days
• National Library Legislative Day
• CAPWIZ
• www.capwiz.com/ala/mn/home

12
ALA and Other Resources

• American Library Association
• www.ala.org/issues
• Library Trustees and Advocates
• www.ala.org/ala/alta
• Friends of the Library U.S.A.
• www.folusa.org

13
Contact Us

• Cindy Ahrens
• ahrens_at_lakedalelink.net
• Chris Olson
• chris_at_melsa.org