Lobbying Your State Legislators Methods for Success


While there are many strategies that chapters and their members can use to successfully lobby on behalf of radiology, this convenient checklist provides some of the most important things to keep in mind. Like any such list, this is not intended to be all-inclusive nor necessarily prioritized.

  • Invest in the future. At least 6 times a year, take 30 minutes of your time to contact a lawmaker by letter, phone, e-mail, or office visit. This will make you more active than 99.9% of all citizens and, as a result, 99.9% more legislatively successful.
  • Be a good winner and a good loser. Don't burn any bridges. Your adversary on one issue may be your ally on the next. Write a thank-you note to the lawmaker no matter the outcome.
  • Educate. There is no better way to demonstrate the importance of an issue to a lawmaker than to invite him or her to your office or other appropriate location for a tangible example of the issue. Most state lawmakers value the opportunity to learn more about an issue from an expert in the field.
  • Be flexible. Learn to compromise. Assess what you can realistically achieve now, and work on the rest later.
  • Be a glutton for punishment. The more involvement you assume, the more vigorous the commitment and support you can expect from your lawmaker.
  • Remember, there is power in numbers. Remind your lawmaker how many people, and potential votes, share your position. Again, think volume.
  • Reach out. Include lawmakers on your mailing list for chapter newsletters, and be sure you are on their mailing lists as well.
  • Be nosy. Ask your lawmakers their position. If their position agrees with yours, ask what you can do to strengthen that support. If their position is different from yours, ask what information they need to reconsider their position.
  • Use examples to communicate your position. Explain the logic of your position in straightforward terms. Always have printed information you can give to a legislator that explains your position. In all communications, be sure to include the bill number or name of the legislation or regulation, as well as your name, postal and e-mail addresses, and phone numbers.
  • Be an unashamed clock-watcher. Don't waste anyone's time. Get to the point of your visit and focus on your issue. Keep your visit to no longer than 15 minutes; lawmakers will appreciate your consideration for their busy schedules.

Many of the items in the list can be credited to Patrick Haggerty, who has given presentations on political activism to special interest groups in 40 states.