Lobbying Strategy Memo

This section of your project builds upon your analysis of the policymaker profile. For this section of the project, you’ll develop a unifying message to support your position. You should demonstrate how and why these themes will resonate with your policymaker and/or voters using data and examples. You must explain why you chose this strategy and why you believe it offers the best approach to build support for your position. Since you’ll need to pitch this to policymakers, policy wonks, and the press you should create a brief “elevator speech” to sell your concept in 30 seconds or less (roughly the time it takes to move between floors after the elevator doors shut).

Your lobbying strategy memo must include the following elements:

An overall unifying message that outlines your overall strategy and why you believe it will work. This is akin to an architect’s drawing of a house…
Two specific “talking points” that provide concise concrete applications of your unifying message through specific data, metaphors, or concrete examples. Talking points are brief – usually a sentence or two. The talking points must build upon the theme or message you identify in part 1. This can be compared to the rough framing of a house – walls, roof, floorplan etc. is visible, but in progress. Talking points should not be full paragraphs, but rather vivid examples or data that supports your argument.
A sample advertisement, social media strategy, or other media strategy to bring the issue to policymakers’ attention. Be creative! You may develop an audio clip, video clip, advertisement/graphics, or a mock social media campaign. You’ll need to describe why you chose this strategy and why you believe it will be persuasive. Who are you targeting? How will you reach them? What assumptions does your campaign rest upon? This polishes up your appeal and puts your ideas into practice…
A 30 second “elevator speech” that you can use on demand to talk up your issue to relevant decision-makers.