2016 Advocacy Summit

MORNING SESSION

AFTERNOON SESSION

FIVE ELEMENTS OF A LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN

Building a campaign to win a policy issue requires several crucial elements: research, a winning message, reliable allies, knowledge of the legislative and political landscape, and teamwork. More than anything else, it requires a strong organizational strategy. Organization is key to all kinds of operations, but is especially important in legislative and political advocacy work. Without organization, you run the risk of missing opportunities and having to play catch-up when threats arise. With organization, your group can be focused, unified, proactive and effective. Whatever your policy goal is – whether it’s advancing a good idea or defeating a bad one—understanding and using these five elements will help you achieve that goal. Together, these five elements create the organizational framework that will help you and your organization become more strategic, purposeful and organized as you work toward positive legislative and political outcomes.

1. Legislative Strategy. Determining who holds the levers of power and how you gain access to them to make your case in support of your goal.
2. Message Development and Communications. Making your case to achieve your goal.
3. Allies and Coalitions. Working with others who share similar views to achieve your goal.
4. Elections and PACs. Using the political campaign process can help you achieve your goal.
5. Organizational Growth. Planning how the campaign will help grow and strengthen your organization (i.e., the AIA).

SPEAKING OUT FOR THE PROFESSION

Background Material