“My vote doesn’t count. Sen. XYZ won’t read my letter anyway.”
As American workers become disillusioned about their impact on government, this complaint is being heard more often.
The decisions our elected officials make are influenced by their staffs, fellow legislators, the press and organized pressure groups. They are also influenced by the effect a bill will have on their district, and to gauge that, they must hear from their constituents.
As a business owner, you can provide valuable information to elected officials by actively involving your employees in the process.
Elected officials do care what the folks back home think. But they’ll never know unless they’re told. Letters, phone calls and personal visits are all part of that citizen lobbying effort.
Many employees, anxious to preserve their industries and jobs, will gladly get involved, particularly if management demonstrates how. And the best time to begin is before legislation that affects the company and employees is pending — not during a crisis.
The following steps can help you mount an effective communications program between your employees and elected officials.
* Step 1: Hold a voter registration drive.
A surprising number of your employees may not be registered to vote. Hold voter registration on site.
* Step 2: Get it started.
Show employees how easy it is to get involved. Distribute names, addresses and phone numbers of elected officials. Encourage employees to communicate their views by letter, telephone and visits. Educate them about pending legislation and how it could affect the company.
* Step 3: Keep it going.
Continue the flow of legislative information via bulletin boards, paycheck stuffers or employee newsletters. Using layman’s language, provide information about legislation under consideration, its impact on the employee and/or company, its status and recommended action steps for the employee to take.
* Step 4: Get to know elected officials.
Look for opportunities to meet with elected officials, from formal committee hearings to local ribbon-cutting ceremonies. However, the most effective place is your office. Schedule tours to showcase your employees and operations. This highlights the advantages or disadvantages of pending legislation in a positive manner.
* Step 5: Make legislative visits.
A very small group representing a cross-section of management and employees should make the visit. This group should be prepared to succinctly discuss the issues and offer suggestions to the legislator.
* Step 6: Establish a system for feedback.
Provide a framework for employee feedback. It could be as simple as a form or regular meetings. Ask employees to keep copies of all letters to and from legislators and report all contacts with elected officials in a timely manner.
* Step 7: Encourage employee involvement.
Whether it’s volunteering time, holding a fund-raiser or helping with election strategy, working on a campaign is one of the best ways to get to know elected officials, their staffs and their friends. This presents an excellent opportunity for informal citizen lobbying.
* Step 8: Make a commitment.
None of these steps will be effective unless management commits time, money and actions to the effort.
Involvement in the political process is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. A successful program to encourage employee involvement takes planning, time and follow-through. Grassroots relationships between employee/constituents and their elected officials are the foundation of our democratic process. Carol Haslett, president of Carol Haslett Consulting and COSE member is senior adviser to many federal, state and local campaigns. She understands the importance of citizen participation in the political process. COSE understands that business owners may possess the desire to become involved in public policy, but not the time to make an impact. Visit www.cose.org/advocacy/currentissues and learn how you and your employees can become actively involved with public policy. Contact Dora Pruce at (216) 592-2417 or e-mail [email protected] for information.
