The Five C’s of an Effective Policymaker Meeting
There is an old saying that “if you are not at the table, you are on the menu.” This is true in life, but very true in politics. I come from a long line of unsung heroes who served as teachers and counselors. They put their heads down and got the work done, never seeking credit. While I always admired their dedication and aspired to be like them, I realized you do not often get noticed by policymakers this way. We need to use our voice. Our clients — those who are homeless, refugees, veterans, or children and animals — often do not have a voice and need us to speak for them. This means we have to work past our humility and speak up to help them get what they need. But how do we do that? Taking a seat at the proverbial table requires a little preparation.
Advocates often spend time quizzing themselves on specific policy positions for their meetings with policymakers (whether elected, appointed or on staff), but knowing policy specifics isn’t enough to influence a policymaker. You must also convey those positions effectively. Whether communicating to a policymaker or a donor, advocates must be strategic about how they influence others to their side. Meetings are not just information exchanges — they are also “relationship-building” sessions. Establishing these relationships enables your advocacy efforts to take root and make a difference for those you serve.
To that end, based on research and best practices, we have developed the Five C’s of an Effective Policymaker Meeting:
So, as you plan your meetings, remember to start small and build a solid foundation for a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with policymakers. If you have any additional tips from your policymaker meetings, we would love to hear them!