Policy Insights: Advocacy 101
By Tiffany Edwards | Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
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Showing up is the first step to getting things done.
There’s an old saying that “the people who show up, get to make all the decisions” and in my experience, I find there to be a lot of truth to that. So often, the thought of getting involved and taking action can seem daunting. The truth is, those who engage are always better-positioned as leaders, working to influence decisions and shape the policies that impact us all. There are a few simple steps that can help you identify the issues, learn who to contact, and what to say to have your perspectives incorporated into solutions. Learn the Issues The first step to becoming more civically engaged is to be aware of what’s happening in your community. There are some great resources with tools to make it easier to stay on top of current affairs.
Know Your Policy Makers Knowing who to direct your advocacy efforts towards is critical. It’s important to know who your policy-makers are at every level of Government. But don’t wait until you need something to contact them, introduce yourself and start a dialogue so that when you have something to say, you won’t just be another anonymous voice on an issue. One great way to engage and educate yourself about your government officials is through social media. While City, County, Legislative and Federal Delegates all have information easily found online, don’t forget all of the other elected officials and elected board members in your community. Do your best to include them on press releases, tours and events that your company may be hosting to help familiarize your elected officials with your business environment. Communicate Effectively When deciding the best approach to engage with decision makers in your community, be respectful of their time, as well as their attention to you and to your issue. While it’s their role as an elected official to represent the interests of their constituents, there are usually at least two sides to every issue. So assume they are hearing from interests with multiple perspectives. Present your perspective in a constructive manner by offering an idea, rather than just presenting a problem and be willing to engage in a conversation, rather than just expect compliance with how you’d like to see them vote. By communicating in a way that helps them to understand your viewpoint, you can have a greater impact. Most importantly, whether you’re communicating with a phone call, email or other form of correspondence, make it personal. Form letters can serve a purpose, but in order to truly be part of the conversation, you must speak from a personal experience or impact. Our Community’s elected leaders take their jobs very seriously and without participation and advocacy from the community members they represent, the system just doesn’t work. Being civically engaged and “showing up” will provide you with the opportunity to be more connected, empowered and influential within your community. |
Passionate about policy?
Connect with the chamber enews to be informed of the issues that affect local business. Email brandyr@eugenechamber.com to subscribe.
When industry voice needs to go before council to advocate for business-friendly policies, will you be there?
Email Tiffany Edwards at tiffanye@eugenechamber.com to be added to our advocacy list and learn more about the chamber's advocacy work.
When industry voice needs to go before council to advocate for business-friendly policies, will you be there?
Email Tiffany Edwards at tiffanye@eugenechamber.com to be added to our advocacy list and learn more about the chamber's advocacy work.
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