Advocacy In Action

Getting commitments

This is the tough part.  You have a "menu" of potential commitments, depending on how supportive they are.

If a legislator strongly agrees with a position:

1. Thank them;
2. Ask them to take a leading role on the issue by: talking to Senator Bruno or Assemblyman Silver about the importance of the bill; talking to the appropriate committee chair about moving the bill out of the committee (if that's necessary), and sponsoring the bill;
3. Ask them to get back to you about what they find out, and 
4. Ask them who else you should talk to.
   

If a legislator agrees with a position:

1. Thank them;
2. Ask them to sponsor the bill;
3. Ask them if they would be willing to help out in moving the bill through the legislature, as things come up (talking to colleagues, etc.).
   

If a legislator is undecided:

1. Present your argument as clearly and concisely as possible;
2. Determine exactly what their reservations are, and respond or offer to get them additional information;
3. Don't press them further;
4. Arrange to have someone get back to them to see what they decided.
   

If a legislator is opposed:

1. Determine what their concerns are and how adamant their opposition is;
2. Politely address their concerns but don't spend a lot of time trying to move someone who may be immoveable;
3. Thank them for their time.