Host an FCNL Lobby Training

Visits from constituents can have a powerful influence over legislators’ decisions, so our nation-wide network of grassroots advocates are a key part of FCNL’s strategy to change federal policy. The more people we can train to engage members of Congress, the louder our message will be heard in Washington.

Every audience is different, whether it’s a Quaker meeting or church, a college class, or a retirement community—so we hope that you will customize these materials to meet your specific needs.

Customizing the Training As-is, this lobby training takes about 2-3 hours to complete. If your allotted time is shorter, please edit accordingly. We recommend that you practice the presentation to get a feel for the timing. It’s important for you to determine the specific issue around which the training is centered. Work with FCNL’s staff to provide background information on the issue, a specific request that people in your area could make, and the member(s) of Congress you wish to visit. Create a written list of talking points for people to use on the visit as well as a written profile of the member of Congress (using FCNL’s Congressional Directory). See examples in the “Promotion/Organizing” section.

Promotion/ Organizing If it’s appropriate for the venue, you may want to contact other groups in your area who may be interested in participating or co-hosting (i.e. the Sierra Club, Rotary Club, etc). Make sure to promote well in advance, utilizing your meeting or church’s announcements and list serves, and individually inviting participants if possible. Contact FCNL about other possibilities for email and phone contact with FCNL constituents.

Promotion and Organizing

Lobby Training Organizer's Checklist
Example Announcement
Example Congressional Profile
Example Issue Talking Points
Lobby Training Overview

Presenter

Lobby Training Template Powerpoint
Presenter's Notes for Powerpoint

Participants' Packets

Communicating with Congress
Eight Tips for a Successful Lobby Visit
Lobby Visit Road Map
Planning Your Lobby Visit
Lobby Training Evaluation Form
Lobby Visit Report Back Form

Follow-Up The best way to encourage people to lobby is to invite them on a visit with you. After the training, set up a time to go visit your member of Congress and invite others along. Be sure to send FCNL your evaluations and sign-in sheet so that our lobbyists can contact our trained grassroots advocates when important votes comes up. Tell FCNL both how the training went and how the lobby visit went—we really want to know!