KFTC’s appraoch to grassroots lobbyingHow and why we make our voices heard in Frankfort
What is grassroots lobbying?
Why is being involved in the legislative process important?
When have our voicesmade a difference in Frankfort?
Tips for effective lobbying• Take a long-term view of issues and relationships with legislators.
• Tell personal stories. Why does it matter to you and other Kentuckians, esp. in their district?
• Know basic issue facts, the bill number and sponsor(s), and where it is in the process.
• Remember your #1 job is to educate lawmakers about issues & bills they may not know well.
• Be prepared to deal with distractions and keep the conversation focused on your objectives.
• Ask directly for support. “Will you vote for this bill?”
• Ask questions. “What would it take for you to be able to support this? What are your concerns?” • Say thank you, no matter the response. Send a note as follow-up. • Don’t threaten or make disrespectful statements. (Be the most reasonable person in the room.
Stay calm, respectful and firm.)
• Don’t make stuff up. If you don’t know the answer to a question, let them know you will follow-up. Then be sure to do it!
• Write down key points from the conversation and share with KFTC so we can track progress.
Overview of 2014 KY General Assembly
The 2014 KY General Assembly session runs 58 days from Jan 7 to March 31. They break for 2 weeks and then return April 14-15 for 2 final days.
What’s the General Assembly’s Job?
How a bill becomes law
KFTC Issue Overview
Other possible (likely) issues
Ways to make your voice heard in the 2014 KY General Assembly
• Use toll-free message line: 800-372-7181• Email legislators:
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Legislators.htm• Lobby with KFTC almost any Tu, W, Th. We
meet in Annex Cafeteria around 9 am. Confirm in advance with [email protected].
• Write letters to the editor of local/statewide papers.
Join us for any of these “big” days(www.kftc.org/calendar)
• Jan 15th: Voting Rights Day, Rally (9 am-2 pm)• Jan 21st: Economic Justice Day (12 - 4 pm)• Feb 5th: Clean Energy Lobby Day (9 am - 2 pm)• Feb 12th: I Love Mountains Day (9 am - 2 pm)• Feb 19th: Fairness Lobby Day (9 am – 2 pm)• March 5th: 50th Anniversary of MLK Jr March
on Frankfort, March and Rally (10 am – 2 pm)
Monday night @ 7 pm ESTKFTC KY Gen. Assembly Webinars
• Jan 13: Voting Rights• Jan 20: Tax Reform and Economic Justice• Jan 27: Appalachian Transition• Feb 3: Clean Energy Opportunity Act• Feb 10: I Love Mountains Day issue overview• Feb 17: Pipeline • Feb 24: Overview of session so far• March 3: Voting Rights • March 10: To be determined
Resources, Info about KY Gen. Assembly 2014
WWW.KFTC.ORG
WWW.LRC.KY.GOV
KET (KY Connections nightly at 11 am; KY Tonight Mondays at 8 pm; Comment on KY Fridays at 8 pm)
#kyga14 (Twitter)
Don’t go it alone!
