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L
O B B Y I N G  T
I P S
 Speeches and Testimony
Key
Congressional Committees
Lobbying
Tips
Take Action Now
Anyone who can make a phone call or write
a letter can lobby. If you care about an issue, you should
lobby. Investing only a small portion of your time in advocacy can yield extraordinary benefits.
Virtually every aspect of our lives is affected by government. Policy
makers respond to the concerns of their constituents, so forwarding
those concerns is critical. Take as stand as an individual, on behalf
of your organization, or as a group of individuals.
You count! Share your international exchange success stories with
your legislator, and do it regularly! Some tips for communicating
with your elected representatives follow:
 Plug yourself into a national advocacy network
It's difficult, at best, to stay on top of policy developments.
Join a national network of individuals concerned about federal
international exchange and training policy. The Alliance's network
is free and convenient. Our network provides you with updates
and background information on international educational and cultural
exchange policy, with the aim of arming you for advocacy. For
more information contact
the Alliance.
Involve policy-makers in your activities
Invite policy-makers into your organization's activities or special
events so they see the benefits of international exchange firsthand;
arrange for appropriate local media coverage.
Learn the art of the fifteen-minute meeting
& the one-pager
Communication is critical to advocacy. Aim to be informative and
persuasive, but do so succinctly.
Be as specific about issues as possible -- cite relevant bill
numbers and titles, subcommittee titles, and how the legislator
can help.
Do your homework
Know the policy-maker's background, values, priorities, and
responsibilities.
Be knowledgeable about specific matters and current policy developments
which relate to you. Key policy publications for interested individuals
are available in the Alliance's Policy Monitor.
Build long-term relationships
View your contacts -- members or staff -- in terms of establishing
long-term, professional, mutually beneficial relationships.
Forward your success stories relating to international exchange
so you have more credibility when you request a specific action.
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