Lobbying/Campaigning

Unsure how to go about the confusing business of lobbying the new Assembly? NICVA have developed a range of resources giving some top tips and insights into the world of lobbying.

Why Lobby?

Why do organisations go to the bother of lobbying? This short section should get you asking whether it's worth it?

Voluntary and community organisations lobby so we can:

influence decision making
change policy
create new policy or legislation
raise awareness of our issues
get things done
share our expertise

Types of Lobbying

For voluntary and community organisations adopting a two track approach to lobbying is often a good idea. This involves direct lobbying with the relevant people and a more indirect approach designed to push your issue up the public agenda.

Direct lobbying

Work with:

civil servants,
ministers,
MLAs, MPs, MEPs, councillors
clerks,
advisers

Indirect lobbying (campaigning)

Activities to push issues up the political agenda

media activity
local lobbying
letter writing
rallies

legal interventions

Plan your lobbying strategy

When you are lobbying it is important to have a lobbying strategy and to stick to it.

Be 100% sure about what you want. Lobbying needs to have a policy ‘ask’. What is it that you want the people you are lobbying to do?
Agree key messages, and make sure they are strong enough to make an impact.
Make sure you ask the right people. There is no point lobbying an MLA on something that is the remit of your local Council.
Co-ordinate your direct and indirect lobbying. Make sure you know what you are doing and try to time events so that they have maximum impact.
Know what to say and who is saying what. Agree key facts and figures, key requirements, and evidence of demand, key messages, spokeswomen/men, involve volunteers, staff, management and your board (roles and responsibilities, who takes decisions).
Make it mean something. Use real life stories to make your issue come alive and show its impact.
Keep it fresh. Don’t just assume its working. Develop some key performance indicators and don’t be afraid to review tactics and try new things.