Realwomen of BC - Archives - February2006

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THE REAL NEWS The R.E.A.L WOMEN of BC Newsletter February 2006, P.O. Box 39068, Point Grey RPO, Vancouver, BC V6R 4P1, Tel/Fax: 604- 463-1611, website: http://www.realwomen.bc.ca
How to lobby effectively Most of us have probably signed a petition, written a letter, or made a phone call to some politician hoping we can sway that person our way. How effective though are these different venues? Apparently, a mass mail out of either cards or letters is one of the most ineffective ways to get your politicians' attentions. Those things pile up in their offices and nobody really pays any attention. There is no point in sending e-mails or letters to all MPs, they will simply delete them, as they are only interested in what their own constituents have to say. The only exception is if you write to a Minister of a particular portfolio. That letter has to be sent to Ottawa. Petitions are okay as your representative has to present those in parliament. However, there are still better ways. It is more effective to write an individual letter, no matter how short, to your representative. It is even better when you can bring up a new, interesting point in an issue. It will grab the politician's attention. Keep the letter short and always be polite. Believe it or not, but politicians apparently pay attention to talk shows and letters to the editor. Phone in to your radio show, voice your opinion and educate the public while you are at it. The same applies to letters to the editor. You have now a public forum in which you can tell people what is on your mind and educate them on the issue. If you can, add studies and statistics. We are all busy so let us make sure that we do things that are effective and not a waste of time.