2 Craft your message

Once you know your audience, you need to craft a clear, concise, and compelling message that explains your issue, your solution, and your ask. Your message should be based on facts, evidence, and stories that demonstrate the impact and urgency of your cause. You should also anticipate and address any questions, objections, or counterarguments that your audience might have. Your message should be consistent across different channels and formats, such as emails, phone calls, letters, meetings, or social media.

3 Choose your channel

Depending on your goal, your audience, and your resources, you need to choose the most appropriate channel to communicate with your elected official or policymaker. Some channels are more formal and direct, such as meetings or hearings, while others are more informal and indirect, such as petitions or campaigns. You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each channel, such as the level of engagement, the reach, the cost, and the impact. You should also be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and opportunities.

4 Build relationships

Engaging with elected officials and policymakers is not a one-time event, but a long-term process that requires building trust and rapport. You should treat them as human beings, not as targets or enemies, and show respect, gratitude, and empathy. You should also follow up with them regularly, provide updates, offer support, and acknowledge their efforts. Building relationships will help you establish credibility, influence, and collaboration.

5 Mobilize others

You can amplify your voice and increase your chances of success by mobilizing others who share your vision and values. You can recruit and train volunteers, form coalitions, partner with organizations, or join networks that can help you spread your message, reach more decision-makers, and generate more pressure. You can also leverage the power of social media, online platforms, and media outlets to raise awareness, create buzz, and inspire action.

6 Evaluate and improve

Finally, you should evaluate the results and outcomes of your engagement efforts and identify what worked and what didn't. You should collect feedback, data, and evidence that can help you measure your impact and progress. You should also celebrate your achievements, acknowledge your challenges, and learn from your mistakes. Evaluating and improving will help you refine your strategy, adjust your tactics, and enhance your skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?