This is a guide to lobbying success - how to put your case forward and make good things happen.
Know what you want to do
A good lobbying campaign must have a clear focus. What do you want to communicate, and who to? What do you want to do? These basic questions must be crystal clear when you begin.
Also, ask yourself how your lobbying action will fit with existing anti-poverty campaigns.
You will be more effective if you are working as part of a larger campaign. And do yourself a favour - be realistic.
You don't have to change the world trading system in one week. Maybe your contribution can be 100 postcards sent, or a story in your local paper.
• Know what you want to tell people.
• Know what you want to do.
• How long is this going to take? Do you want a quick flash of publicity, or will you work for a long term goal
• Enlist friends or like-minded people to help you get what you want.
Talk to the right people
Haranguing a shop assistant about Fairtrade might fulfil some deep need inside you, but it won't achieve effective change.
You need to talk to the right people in the right way:
• MPs, MSPs, MEPs, Welsh and Northern Irish AMs
• Local councillors
• The local media (see our How to write a press release guide).
• Religious leaders and congregations
• Schools and businesses
• Trade unions and members
• Shops - the Co-op, for instance, welcomes involvement and you may get a place on one of their regional committees
• The public - all of the above have to take account of public opinion.
Next page: Say and do the right things
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