At some point in every initiative, advocates must meet with policymakers and begin the long process of getting the policy enacted. This stage is characterized by intensive work with city or county staff, negotiations and accountability sessions. It is important to stay focused on the group's initial goals during this phase, as it is easy to get caught up in the politics of the bureaucracy. Working with policymakers is an "inside" game but it need not mean getting disconnected from grassroots support. As veteran organizer Greg Akili often says, "Don't start to talk like them or take on their ways. If you do you'll confuse the people you're working with and you become untrustworthy. Stay connected. Always go in groups and rotate the people who attend the meetings so that you build leadership and confidence."

1. Why it’s important?
   Public policy makers are people who work at local, state and federal levels of government. They establish the rights and standards for entire communities. Our votes place public officials in office and it is their duty to serve all citizens. It is our responsibility to actively engage in the governing of our cities and states so we can hold policy makers accountable to address the issues impacting our communities.

2. What’s your ask?
   When approaching elected officials, it is important to be clear about what you want. This does not need to be as detailed as a drafted piece of legislation. A simple, straightforward sense of what’s wrong and what you would like to see changed will do for a start. Try to become familiar with budget and revenue mechanisms so you will have a sense of how your proposal might be funded (for more info on budget and revenue advocacy, click here).

   At the meeting, be sure to have at least three people with you – preferably at least one living in the policymakers jurisdiction. Be familiar with his/her record and issues of concern so that you can link your proposal to their agenda whenever possible. Don’t get caught up in chit chat. Thank the representative (and/or staffer) for their time and any related work they have done on the issue. Then proceed to a brief description of the issue and the action you’d like the official to take. Plan roles and what meeting participants will say in advance so the information flows. Stress impact on the policymaker’s district whenever possible and any support you have for the initiative.

   When leaving, thank the official for their time even if they did not agree and leave them with a short summary of the issue and proposal (one page is great but a little more is OK, too). Larger documents, like reports or studies are best left with the staff member charged with policy work on the issue.