This is a theme I’ve adopted for myself for this year (for a number of reasons). But it’s also an important reminder in the world of grassroots advocacy. Legislators listen when someone has a story to tell.
There’s been a lot of talk lately in the advocacy world about using storytelling to make your case in advocacy. If you’re active in LinkedIn groups about lobbying, you’ll read a lot of articles that make storytelling seem like the latest craze. But this isn’t just some fad. It has ALWAYS been an essential element to successfully educating and persuading elected officials.
A lifetime or two ago I worked for a Member of Congress. He’s still about the smartest guy I’ve ever met. And being an economist, as well as a law professor, verifiable data in support of an argument could be very compelling to him. However, data wasn’t always enough. He wanted to know how proposed legislation might impact his constituents and his district. He wanted to know the stories behind the data.
If you have a story to tell and want to reach out to your elected officials, here are a few quick rules to help you frame your story. I’m assuming here that you have already reached out and have an opportunity to share your story with your legislator or their staff.
Keep it real. Don’t make it up or fudge the details. Authenticity counts.
Keep it short. You’ll lose them if you recite a 20-minute monolog.
Be descriptive. You’re telling a story. Be sure you use details so your audience can draw a picture in their mind.
Outline and practice. Make an outline of your story and practice it until you feel comfortable that you won’t forget any of the essential details.
Know your “ask.” Having a great story is one thing; knowing what you want is even more important. Are you asking for a specific vote on a bill? Or are you asking for a solution, yet unnamed, to a problem? Is this something your legislator’s assigned committee should investigate?
Have questions about how storytelling can enhance your advocacy efforts? Reach out to me at deannk@leveragepa.com