Sacramento 101
Grassroots Lobbying
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF GRASSROOTS LOBBYING?
In the news, we hear about professional lobbyists who attempt to
influence legislation and policy through various means. Grassroots
lobbying is when everyday citizens contact their legislators to
influence legislation and policy. Advocacy groups of all kinds
engage in grassroots lobbying, inviting people to call and write
their legislators when appropriate. Anyone can pick up the phone
and ask their state or federal legislators to support or oppose a
pending bill.
WHY SHOULD I CONTACT MY LEGISLATORS?
It’s important to let your legislators know where you stand on a bill,
because the number of letters, calls, or emails on each side of an
issue will frequently influence how a legislator will vote. Grassroots
lobbying is very effective because the legislators are hearing
directly from their constituency, who will be voting when the
legislator seeks re-election.
HOW DO I CONTACT LEGISLATORS?
The most effective methods of contacting your legislators include
personal visits to offices, phone calls, handwritten or hand-signed
letters, and social media, because these methods get noticed by
the legislator and staff. Go to: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/whoare-my-representatives
and you will find websites of all your
Federal and State elected representatives.
Grassroots activism: Focus on local officials that represent you
and reach out to their district office. Bring in a group of
community leaders and experts to talk with the legislator or their
district director to talk about your particular issue. Bring along
signed petition showing widespread support for your position. Do
a call-in/write-in campaign to the district and capitol offices of
your legislator on your issue.