<--- Back to contents

Chapter 3 - DEMOCRACY, GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

CHECKLISTS

Lobbying

You should find answers to these questions before you start lobbying or campaigning-

1. What do you want to campaign for (be clear about the result you want to achieve)?
2. Who has the power to make a decision on that issue?
3. Who else can influence the decision-maker and how can they be mobilised?
4. What will the opposition say?
5. How will the decision-maker benefit from the result you want to achieve?
6. What lobbying methods should you use?

Making a written or verbal submission

Plan what you are going to say when you make your submission or what you are going to write in your submission. Focus on your main objective and keep this in mind as you develop a simple message.

Use the following format when planning the content:

• Introduction: present the issue that has led to you making the submission.
• Make two or three points about why it is important to act on the issue.
• Present your demands.
• State the facts that support your demands (including legal grounds for the demands)
• Give evidence that can prove the facts.
• Make suggestions for resolving the issue.
• If you use charts or graphs, keep them very simple and clear.
• Keep your presentations short, simple and very clea
• Don’t be aggressive, threatening or imply that the person knows nothing about the issue.

Written submission

A written submission should follow the same basic format described on the previous page but you should include the following:

• Explain who you are and what your organisation represents.
• Describe what support you have from other organisations or individuals in respect of the issue.
• Say how the person will benefit if they support your proposed action.

Verbal submission

When you make a verbal submission you should aim to:

• gain the respect of the committee members
• provide a clear and convincing explanation of your position and the facts or reasons behind it
• win the support of the committee on your issue.

You can use the written submission as the basis for a verbal presentation. However there are additional factors that apply to a verbal submission. These are:

• Organise your presentation carefully and leave out non-essential information.
• Before beginning your presentation introduce yourself and your group.
• Address the Chair of the committee, and follow the rules made by the Chairperson.
• Try and make your presentation interesting both in terms of style and content.
• End with a strong statement of what you want to achieve.
• Summarise your presentation in writing and leave it with the group.