Social Policy & Programs Consulting
Training and Services for agencies working toward social and economic justice
Students will learn
the most basic American government structure,
the legislative and regulatory processes,
and whom, when, where, why, and how to lobby.
We will discuss the theory
and practice of
to effect change.
What is Lobbying?
Lobbying is not what the politicians and media tell you it is.
"Giving buckets of money to legislators" is not lobbying.
Lobbying is the effort to convince elected officials - local, state, and federal -
to support or oppose legislation and policies that you care about.
Lobbying is the ONLY thing that can restore our democracy.
Our schools are supposed to teach this stuff, but they don't want you to know
that YOU have the power to influence your government.
Patricia A. O'Malley
Social Policy & Programs Consulting ~ Community Matters
P.O. Box 97803 ~ Pittsburgh, PA 15227 ~ 412-310-4886 ~ firstname.lastname@example.org
Copyright Patricia A. O'Malley ~ All rights reserved
Invite other organizations in your community to share a session with you, to reduce expenses, broaden the discussions, and enhance your experience.
The Bill of Rights guarantees our individual right to petition the government, but many Americans feel powerless to influence public policy.
They are frustrated with the current political climate, but don't know how to fight the big corporations and organizations that have so much clout.
Learn how individuals and small groups can influence legislation and regulations through lobbying and community
American Government Structure
The U.S. Constitution
Purposes of government
Levels and branches of government
The Legislative Process
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Committee Power and Structure
Impediments to the Process
Importance of Legislative Staff
Where to get information
Definition ~ History ~ Regulations
Why we need more lobbyists
How to lobby
Definition ~ Legal Authority Regulatory Process
Theory ~ Purpose ~ Process
Rules for Radicals
Long term campaigns
Develop and implement your plan
The American founders wanted lobbyists. They expected them.
Lobbying was so important to them that they enshrined it in the First Amendment in our Bill of Rights
Congress shall make no law . . . prohibiting the . . . right of the people . . . to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
If the 99% did more lobbying,
the 1% would have less power.
This course is designed for five two-hour sessions, but can be adapted reduced to as little as a single one-hour session.
We can tailor it
for specific audiences.
Regardless of age group, civic experience, or occupation, your staff, members, and clients will benefit from learning to lobby.