n Turning out supporters. When you know the exact date and time the item will be on the agenda, start reaching out to your supporters and try to get them to the meeting. It will be important for legislators to see there are lots of people in the community who support adding LGBT people to the local nondiscrimination law or creating a domestic partnership registry. Often we ask our supporters to wear a color so they are easily identifiable in the commission chambers. Red is a color that has been used in several communities throughout the state. n Celebrate!
VII. Lobby Training 101 Having a face-to-face meeting with a lawmaker is one of the most effective things a concerned citizen can do. This is intended to be a guide to the general structure of a lobby visit and building out your team. Once you have a commissioner or council person who will sponsor the proposed ordinance it’s important to begin meeting with the other members of the body to secure enough votes for passage. Remember, you want strategize with your sponsor as to which other members are most likely to be supportive. Start with those members first, and then move on to folks you think may be on the fence.
Lobby Tips! n It is not necessary for you to be a technical expert about every aspect of the bill. What is important is for you to be a human face to these important issues. n If a lawmaker asks you a question you don’t know how to answer, the correct response is “I don’t know, but I can ask someone who does and have them follow up with you.” If you are asked a question you do not know the answer to, please e-mail Equality Florida’s Public Policy Director at mallory@eqfl.org and she will help get an answer for you.
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