During the day-to-day work of being a Hawai‘i State Senator, I am often asked my advice on public policy advocacy. The following “Seven Rules of Advocacy” represent what I believe to be the most important factors of success that all
During the day-to-day work of being a Hawai‘i State Senator, I am often asked my advice on public policy advocacy. The following “Seven Rules of Advocacy” represent what I believe to be the most important factors of success that all successful advocates (both amateur and professional) follow diligently.
• Know your representative: Request meetings, or attend meetings that are sponsored by your representatives — be it county, state or federal. Write them about subjects and issues that you are concerned about. If at all possible, get to know them personally. If you like the work they are doing, offer to help and support them in that work. Relationships matter. The effectiveness of an advocate is multiplied significantly if there exists a personal and positive relationship between the policy maker and the advocate.
• Know the process: At the state level, the legislative Web site: www.capitol.hawaii.gov is an invaluable tool that allows individuals to track and study legislation. While it is not necessary to be an expert on “how a bill becomes law,” it is important that advocates know the basics. Know and understand the differences between county, state and federal responsibilities, and the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. Your representatives and their staff can help you with this, but ultimately a successful advocate must know and understand the process.
• Target your energy and know the subject matter: Resist the urge to be involved in every issue or every controversy. People who testify on every issue risk becoming known as gadflies and quickly lose effectiveness and credibility. Lawmakers frequently need help developing solutions in specific subject matter areas. Advocates with a reputation for knowledge in these areas are often sought out for advice and consultation.
• Affiliate with a like-minded group or organization: There is strength in numbers. Whether it is the Chamber of Commerce, a labor union, the Sierra Club, the League of Women Voters or any of a wide variety of organizations, pick one that interests you and then get involved. There is no question that in many situations, the testimony and active advocacy of a credible organization, backed by all of its members, can carry more weight than that of a lone individual.
• Base your testimony on fact and present it with respect and conviction: While emotional testimony has its place and can be effective, the majority of decision-makers need facts and reason upon which to base their final votes. Do your homework and provide legislators with a sound basis to support the position you are advocating. If your testimony is presented in writing-whether via regular mail, fax or e-mail, make sure it includes your complete name and contact information.
• Offer an alternative solution or amendment: Besides simply advocating to “kill” a proposal, consider how might it be improved and perhaps made acceptable. Often there is significant pressure in the community for legislators to “do something” to resolve a wide variety of issues. Simply saying “no” to a proposed piece of legislation often does not help the legislator (or the community) arrive at an adequate solution.
• Start now and do not stop: It’s never too soon to begin advocating for issues that you feel strongly about. Initial advocacy by private citizens or special interest groups is often the impetus for new legislation. Providing input prior to the initial drafting of the legislation is as important — and maybe more important — than providing input as a response to the legislation once it is proposed. Do not stop advocating and tracking the proposal until the Bill is signed into law, or the legislative session is adjourned. Experienced advocates know that proposals are often amended, killed, and sometimes revived and brought back to life in the final minutes and hours of the legislative process. As the famous saying goes. It’s not over until it’s over.
Public input and the work of community advocates are key elements in the public policy decision-making process. I encourage all who are interested in helping to shape the laws and environment in which we live and work, to engage the process and make a difference. If you would like to learn more about effective advocacy, or if my office or I can assist you in other matters pertaining to state government, please do not hesitate to call 586-6030 (Honolulu office), 652-4279 (direct cell) or e-mail senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov
• Gary Hooser is Senate Majority Leader, representing the 7th Senatorial District, covering Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. He is a resident of Wailua and writes a biweekly column exclusive to The Garden Island.
