Effective Advocating & Lobbying Your
Elected Officials
February 14, 2019

With a decade of experience working on Capitol Hill and in
Federal agencies with a focus on telecommunications and business
issues, I lead ASBC’s policy work on High Road Workplace, which
includes paid leave, worker ownership and other employee-related
policies and Net Neutrality. Prior to joining ASBC, I was as a
Congressional Liaison for the Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau, where I built and managed relationships between the
Bureau and Congress. Prior to joining the Bureau, I was a
Legislative Aide for U.S. Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) and worked
in the House of Representatives. My career in politics and policy
began on the North Carolina Obama for America Presidential
campaign as a Field Organizer. I am a graduate of the Fordham
University School of Law and Howard University.
John B. Minor, Policy Manager
asbcouncil.org/webinars

• We represent over 250,000 businesses nationwide.
• Including:
– Over 250 corporate members
– Over 80 business organizations
• Where We Advocate
– Washington, DC
– State
– Local
• Our business leaders act as spokespersons on ASBC policy campaigns.
– We provide policy statements to the press and policy makers.
• Introduce our member businesses to their elected representatives and agency officials.
• Provide media support through placement of op-eds and other media.
ASBC Sphere of Influence
asbcouncil.org/webinars

• Your values and principles are important.
– Your businesses have grown and become successful because of your leadership
and vision.
– That insight is necessary to advance the policies we know that are both
profitable and responsible.
• Business leaders are often the most credible and authoritative voice
to affect policy change.
• Responsible businesses essential to the debate.
– Without you, bad actors shape the discourse.
• If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.
– To change laws to suit our ethos, responsible business leaders must speak up!
WHY BECOME AN ADVOCATE?
asbcouncil.org/webinars

• What do you hope to accomplish with the meeting?
• What is your “ask” of the policymaker/staffer?
– Introduce
– Inform
– Persuade
• Identify which representative is most appropriate?
– Federal, State, or Local
– House or Senate
• Personal office or Committee
– Agency
SET YOUR OBJECTIVE
asbcouncil.org/webinars

• Call or Email your target office
– Typical office has a Scheduler or Executive Assistant
– Email is usually best
• Ask to meet with the Elected Official/Policymaker
– Identify yourself as a constituent (when possible)
• Representatives more receptive to constituent concerns
– Identify yourself as a business leader
– List the attendees who will be joining you
– Set a date and time
• Meeting with staff is beneficial.
– The staff is knowledgeable on issues and speaks directly with official.
– The staff is often the actual policy maker.
REQUEST YOUR MEETING
asbcouncil.org/webinars

• Think about your story.
– What do you want your Member to know?
– How will the policy affect you and your employees?
• Research the policymaker’s background
– Make sure they are the right target.
– Everyone’s time is precious. Your time is your money and speaking with the wrong office can be a waste of your
money.
• Identify if there is specific piece of legislation/measure/etc.
– Offices are more receptive to discussions on actual policies and bills.
– Members and staffers are very busy and do not like unfocused discussions. Keep this in mind!
• Prepare facts, background material.
– This is where ASBC comes in. We make sure your facts are correct and that you understand the policy.
• Research recent news stories for your issue.
• Create a document to leave with the office.
• Don’t hog the talking time.
PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE
asbcouncil.org/webinars

• Thank the official for their time.
• Set a follow up date to continue the discussion.
– Members and staff are very busy. Make sure that you stay at the forefront by
following up on your requests and any new developments.
• Get a picture!
– Use your social media presence to promote your business and connections to
policy makers.
• Send a thank you (email/letter).
– Common courtesy goes a long way.
• Follow up!
– This is key. Many conversations end at the conclusion of the meeting. Follow up to
ensure that this doesn’t happen to you!
AFTER THE MEETING
asbcouncil.org/webinars

• Coalitions
– Work with similarly aligned businesses and advocacy organizations to build
support across different industrial sectors.
• Grassroots
– Building an organic movement through your own actions and campaigns.
• Validators
– Third parties that have recognized expertise and authority that champion your
causes and provide validation of your positions.
• ASBC can provide support and guidance on all three.
OUTSIDE ADVOCACY TECHNIQUES
asbcouncil.org/webinars

• Coalitions Letter writing
• Phone calls
– Volume. Volume. Volume.
• Host or attend town halls/public events
– Establish a relationship with the Member and their staff outside of the office.
– Demonstrates that you are involved in the community and will use your bully
pulpit to rally support or opposition.
• Invite officials to visit your business
– Let them know how your business will be affected.
– Put a face to the actual bill or policy.
OUTSIDE ADVOCACY TECHNIQUES
asbcouncil.org/webinars

• Social Media
– Spread your message to your customers and partners.
– Effective tool to demonstrate support and create a narrative.
• Earned Media
– Op-eds, interviews, and other media opportunities.
• Paid Media
– Online, print, radio, and television ads
• Owned/Internal Media
– Blog posts, press statements, and white papers
OUTSIDE ADVOCACY TECHNIQUES
asbcouncil.org/webinars

Questions?
OUTSIDE ADVOCACY TECHNIQUES
asbcouncil.org/webinars

OUTSIDE ADVOCACY TECHNIQUES
asbcouncil.org/webinars
Working with ASBC
Hammad Atassi, Chief Executive
hatassi@asbcouncil.org
John B. Minor, Policy Manager
jminor@asbcouncil.org