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| azzuri |
Guide to lobbying your MSPs/MP....Guide to lobbying your MSP/MP -When 'lobbying' an elected representative, there are a few things you should do and perhaps shouldn't do to ensure you are being effective. To 'lobby' an MSP or MP is to meet them at their Constituency Office or to get in contact with them and urge them to do something on your behalf, i.e. support a campaign you agree with, take up a personal concern/grievance or to discuss a matter of policy. It's often best to meet your MP or MSP when they hold constituency surgeries, which are designed specifically so that they can meet voters. Phone the constituency office at any time throughout the week to find out the surgery times and make an appointment. Why not arrange to have the MSP or MP visit your workplace. They should be available throughout the weekend to meet constituents. Be polite and courteous. Never threaten someone with a phrase like 'Iwill never vote for you again if.' Although it might be tempting, they hear that all the time and it isn't wise. Be clear in telling them about why you have got in contact with them. Don't assume they know everything about your case/issue. Write down in an A-B-C format what you want them to understand and what you want them to do. By all means give them letters and information relating to your case or campaign that they can read later on but never hand over original documents. They have been known to go missing! Elected representatives meet many people in a week and receive many letters, e-mails and phone calls from people. They can meet someone and have a good meeting but you need to ensure there is a clear result and action from that meeting. Ask them specifically, 'What are you going to do on my behalf?' Whether it is to write to a minister, company, local council or whatever, don't leave them without them giving you a firm commitment to ACT on your behalf. Follow up your visit with a letter of thanks, providing further information on your case or concern and make contact within a fortnight, asking for any progress, although please be patient. You can find out about all of your elected representatives (MPs, MSPs, local councillors, MEPs etc.) by visiting www.writetothem.com and entering your postcode. It also gives you a list of their contact details if you want to email them. |
| Aventinian |
I'm glad that someone is sticking up for classical democracy... |
| mairead |
Good advice Azzuri. Getting angry, gets you nowhere. |