Guide to Becoming an Activist: Lobbying

Sections: Introduction Getting Started Information Stalls Making Displays Producing and Distributing Leaflets Starting a Group Public Speaking Lobbying Working With the Media Campaigning Fundraising Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (MP)

Your MP’s role is to represent his or her constituency – and that includes you! To find out who your MP is, visit www.faxyourmp.com or call Parliament on 020 7219 4272. You can also ask for the phone number of your MP’s local surgery (office) if you’d like to arrange an appointment to meet in person with him or her.

WRITING LETTERS

When writing to an elected official, observe the following guidelines:

• Discuss only one issue in each letter.
  
  
• Keep it short. One page letters are best, and no letter should be more than two pages long.
  
  
• Handwritten letters are fine – but only if your handwriting is legible; otherwise, use a computer. The more personal the letter appears, the more seriously it will be taken.
  
  
• State the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph.
  
  
• Support your argument with facts, not emotions.
  
  
• Don’t assume that your MP knows all about the issue that you’re writing about. Provide background information.
  
  
• Be polite and positive.
  
  
• Never threaten (‘I won’t vote for you if ...’). Today’s opponent may be tomorrow’s ally on another issue.
  
  
• Don’t offend by saying, ‘You probably won’t pay any attention to this’, or, ‘I know you won’t do anything’.
  
  
• Clearly state what you want him or her to do – vote yes or no, urge a government agency to investigate a laboratory, etc. Don’t be vague.
  
  
• Include your name and address on both the envelope and the letter.
  
  
• Don’t be self-righteous about being a taxpayer.
  
  
• Use the proper form for the address and salutation. Call Parliament on 020 7 219 3000 to find out how to address your MP.

Send your letter to your MP at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

MEETING WITH OFFICIALS

To make the most of your meeting with your MP, use the following guidelines:

• Make an appointment well in advance.
  
  
• Try to go by yourself or, at most, with one other person. If you must go with a group, decide on a spokesperson before the meeting.
  
  
• Dress conservatively and professionally, and be friendly and positive.
  
  
• Find out about your MP’s voting record and history, and compliment him or her on past achievements.
  
  
• Know the facts about the issue that you’re there to discuss, and know the title and bill number of legislation in question. Provide a one-page factsheet that provides background information.
  
  
• Don’t speak as a member of a national organisation or wear animal rights badges.
  
  
• Don’t become emotional or carry on about how heartbreaking it is that animals are suffering.
  
  
• Don’t waste your MP’s time. Clearly and briefly make your points, thank him or her and promptly leave.
  
  
• Remember that how you communicate is as important as what you communicate. People who care about animals are often stereotyped as being emotional. We can change that image by doing our homework, staying calm and polite and keeping our statements concise.