Using citizen lobbying as a force for change

“Citizen Lobbying: Advocating to Your Local Government” was recently presented virtually by the Democracy Academy, as a project of the Voters Not Politicians Education Fund (Voters Ed Fund).

Voters Not Politicians is a voter-led prodemocracy political reform movement in Michigan.

“Learning how lobbying can be used is a force for change at the local level,” said Alyson Grigsby, education programs manager For Voters Not Politicians.

Grigsby added the presentation was being held to help citizens understand their power as citizens and advocates to their local government. She pointed out the right to lobby is protected by the First Amendment and a way to petition the government for a redress or to give money.

According to Grigsby, citizen lobbying can look like contacting not only elected officials, but city managers and department heads.

“This could involve calling, sending emails, writing letters, attending meetings or inviting officials to your coffee hour or group meeting. It could involve lobbying your officials via public comment. You might also consider writing a letter to the editor of a local publication to gather public support and help find allies. This also brings attention to officials.”

Participants in the virtual event were invited to look at real-life case studies of citizens using their power to lobby their government. The case studies helped show the variety of issues and interests citizens can lobby for.

“Even if your goals are unsuccessful initially-and I want to put out initially-for getting something passed, you get that internal satisfaction of being connected to the community in general on something you’re passionate about,” said Grigsby.”…Sometimes there will be roadblocks to trying to get something adopted related to funding or understanding how it should be particularly implemented. I don’t want you to take this as a loss….It’s OK because it shows the people and you that this is something people can do by engaging directly with the democratic process.”

This story was originally published by Flint Courier News. Read more here: https://theflintcouriernews.com/using-citizen-lobbying-as-a-force-for-change/