How to Get What You Want and Need From Washington – Your Capitol Tips & Tool Kit

So you voted, or maybe you didn’t - in either case, now what?

When it comes to Washington, DC, everyone has an opinion, but translating an opinion into opportunity or analysis into action is the more difficult challenge.  Typically, getting what you want and need from the federal government requires that you participate, petition, and if necessary, protest – the three Ps.  In fact, it is the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that gives each American the right to petition the government and to peaceably assemble. Participation and petitioning the government are a little less complicated than protesting.  In fact, non-violent protest usually is enlisted as a very last resort – after all other strategies fail.  Protesting also oftentimes requires compliance with state and local ordinances before groups can gather.  Violent protest in the USA is always a big no-no. 

By joining anitaestell.com, you will have:

• Access to a complete handbook, including sample letters
• Tips on advocacy including what to say and when
• Guidance on how to get a meeting with a Member of Congress
• Sample appropriations (earmark) questionnaire forms
• Follow-up forms and
• Other vital tools that optimize your probability of success

For now, let’s take a moment to review the three simple rules of engagement and identify the tools needed to supplement any successful effort.

Take a Position.  Before you try to influence, persuade or convince others to support a particular effort, program, policy or position, you must first know where you stand.  To be fully aware, gather sufficient information, statistics, research and real-life examples that support your case.  Most of the information you need to understand the issue or make your case can be found on the Internet via sites and organizations that are engaged in the area of interest to you. 

Speak-Up.  One of the first things most of us do when we feel pain is holler, and then we identify its source.  If there is something that is causing harm, discomfort, or feeding injustice for you, your family or others in your community, then you need to let the people close to you know how you feel.  As referenced above, you have to research the cause so you can identify the best solution.   Be sure to spread the word and connect with similarly minded folks by using your social networking sites, Facebook, MySpace and YouTube to let others know.  Downloading and blogging also help to extend your reach.

Step-Up.  Become an advocate for the issue by --

• Writing to your elected officials in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.  Depending on the issue, there may be times when you will want to write only federal policy makers; however, there may be times when you will want to enlist the support and assistance of state and local leaders as well. If nothing else, you may be able to get local and state leaders to write and reach out in support of your efforts. E-mail, PDF, hand-delivery or fax may all be considered in addition to regular mail.  Since the Anthrax scare on Capitol Hill, delivery to congressional offices can take two weeks. Before writing your Member of Congress, be sure to check out the sample letter we have provided – click here.  Proper form is everything.  You can always confirm receipt of your correspondence with a follow-up call.

• Meeting with your elected officials in Washington and at the local level.  Please remember, most Members of Congress visit their congressional districts every week.  If you are unable to come to Washington, request a meeting in the district office by contacting the Member’s scheduler.  They often are home on Mondays and Fridays, absent any votes in DC.  If you can get one or two other persons who share your passion to join you – great.  There is strength in numbers.  Our Six Practical Tips on Advocacy should be consulted before any meeting is requested.  These tips are available to those who join as members.  Click here.

Take It Up a Notch.  My mother used to say: "In life as in politics, you get what you give.” After speaking up and stepping up, go an extra mile and host an event for a small group of like-minded or interested persons from your neighborhood, church, college or professional/social organization.  Invite no more than 15 folks – five or even one other person is a good start also. The goal here should be to develop concise talking points and a strategy to leverage outreach by expanding the number of people and communications channels you engage.  Make sure everyone uses the same talking points.  Promotion of separate individual agendas will dilute impact and efficacy. 

Lock It Down.  At some point, we all want a little meat on our bone, or for the rubber to meet the road – we want resources and results.  If you are a real superstar, or just a bold and courageous soul, beyond advocacy, you also can seek a greater return on your tax investment by applying for competitive grants, federal contracts, or requesting congressional appropriations for programs that benefit your community.  You can also pursue opportunities to submit testimony or serve on certain federal commissions and boards, join a group that has a presence in Washington, DC, or organize folks to come to Washington to participate in a Day on Capitol Hill.  On Capitol Hill you can visit members of your congressional delegation and those who may sit on relevant committees having jurisdiction over the issue of concern to you.  

Satisfaction Guaranteed.  Adherence to these approaches will drive the three outcomes you desire the most from Washington – access, action and accountability.  True. You may not always get what you want, when you want it, but you always can rewind and start all over again.  Treat “no” as an invitation to negotiate and keep going.  Be sure to note any concerns raised in reference to your request and modify your approach as appropriate.   Next time, just start earlier, make more noise and engage more people.