Top tips for lobbying your council30 September 2009
Lobbying your council may seem like a daunting task. But we've got some resources and top tips to see you through.
Resources
See sections 2.3 of the action guide Lobbying and Beyond. Plus section 3 on Local Carbon Budgets has more useful tips on preparing for meetings.
Don't forget your information pack ('dossier') on your council.
This contains useful information about your council's policies and politics.It should have been emailed to you, and can also be found on the livejournal site that you were sent instructions on how to access.
This is a new briefing on political party positions on climate change and councils.
These are write ups from groups who have succeeded in signing their council up.
Plan it
We've suggested lobbying half your councilors and the leadership. But depending on your local situation you might want to adapt this approach.
The lobbying section of the action guide is full of ideas. You could:
- Arrange meeting with multiple councilors
By ward or political party - Prioritise councilors
that are strategically significant.
Positive talking
Friends of the Earth Bristol recently had a positive meeting with its council executive.
Take a cooperative approach the first time you meet a councillor. Spend time finding out what their plans are and what you can collaborate on.
Bristol Group coordinator, Jane Stevenson
Focus the meeting
Don't feel you need to know everything, but do work out beforehand what your key messages are and stick to them. If councillors want more detail, give them the campaign report and research by carbon descent.
Remember to focus on the key demands.
Top tips for troublesome types
If you're having trouble persuading councils to act, don't be disheartened.
- Remind them of the benefits of taking action
See the action guide for help - Don't take no for an answer
Calmly repeat your demands and evidence and support for them. - Know your audience
Tailor your arguments for different political colours.
Your ideas
We had two great sessions on lobbying your council at conference 2009.
You can read more about the networks ideas for what you should do before, during and after the meeting. There are also some top tips for do's and don'ts when lobbying your council.
