Engaging Elected Officials:A Nonprofit Leader's Guide
As nonprofit CEOs, we know the power of relationships. We cultivate them with donors, volunteers, and community partners. But what about elected officials?
Too often, we view these figures as distant, unapproachable, or even intimidating. But at the end of the day, elected officials are also members of the community who care about the issues that affect their neighbors. And you might be the senior most expert on a group of their constituents and the population you each seek to serve.
Forget the Formality, Focus on Education:
Instead of approaching engagement with a sense of formality or apprehension, lead with education. Elected officials recognize the importance of gathering firsthand information about the issues impacting their districts. You're the expert on the challenges your nonprofit addresses, the impact you're making, and the needs that still exist.
Advocacy at the State and Federal Level:
State Level:
Build relationships with your state legislators. Attend town halls, schedule meetings, and get to know their staff.
Testify at committee hearings. Share your expertise on relevant bills and advocate for policies that support your mission. Participating as an interested party elevates your platform and the people you serve in your area and across the state.
Join coalitions. Collaborate with other nonprofits to amplify your voice and advocate for shared priorities.
Federal Level:
Connect with your Congressional representatives. Schedule meetings with their district staff or visit their D.C. offices.
Participate in advocacy days. Many national organizations host advocacy days in Washington, D.C., providing opportunities to meet with lawmakers and advocate for specific issues.
Engage with federal agencies. Many agencies have public comment periods or opportunities for stakeholder input on regulations and policies.
Remember:
Be prepared. Do your research on the officials you're meeting with and the issues you're discussing. A handout with program or organization specifics and data will help them remember who you are and the work of your organization.
Be concise and compelling. Elected officials are busy, so make your points clearly and succinctly.
Be persistent. Building relationships takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. And don’t start the relationship with an ask - get them invested in who you are and what you do before doing so.
Go Deeper Than a Hill Visit:
While legislative visits are important, true engagement goes beyond a quick handshake and photo op. Here's how to build lasting relationships:
Follow Up: After a meeting, send a thank-you note with relevant data and stories that illustrate your points.
Invite Them In: Bring elected officials to your organization. Show them firsthand the work you do and introduce them to the people you serve.
Community Events: Invite them to participate in community events or programs. This allows them to see your impact in action and connect with constituents.
Ongoing Dialogue: Keep the conversation going. Share regular updates, invite them to conferences or workshops, and offer your expertise on relevant policy issues.
By engaging with elected officials in a meaningful and ongoing way, you can become a trusted resource and advocate for your community–an invaluable relationship that will bring awareness to your organization. Like you, your elected officials want the best for the people you serve. You have the power to shape policy, secure funding, and build momentum for lasting change.