Grassroots Lobbying One person can make a real difference in the lives of animals; all it takes is the “write” stuff. With pen (or computer), you can go solo and make a big impact for animal causes in a simple, effective way: by writing a letter. And one of the best places to start is with your elected officials. As more constituents write and call, legislators increasingly give consideration to animal-related issues such as pet overpopulation, laboratory experiments, and protecting endangered species. Cruelty to animals has been upgraded in some states from misdemeanor to felony status because of massive local campaigns Writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper or a magazine is also an excellent way to get legislators’ attention, educate the public, and focus the spotlight on a specific piece of legislation. Before you can comment on a piece of legislation, it helps to know the process by which federal laws are enacted. Most state and municipal governments follow a similar set of steps. How a Bill Becomes a Law (Federal Level) 1. Similar versions of a bill that will create a new law, or amend or repeal an existing one, are introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate. 2. The House and Senate bills are referred to the appropriate subcommittees for consideration. 3. The subcommittees hold hearings, debate the bills, and usually amend them. If the subcommittees approve the bills, they are returned to the full committees. 4. The full committees hold more hearings, engage in further debate, and often add more amendments. If the House bill is approved, it is referred first to the House Rules Committee, which sets the conditions for the debate and amendment of bills, and then to the full House. If the Senate bill is approved, it is referred directly to the full Senate. 5. The bills are debated again, usually amended again, and then voted on. If both pass, a conference committee made up of House and Senate members will create one bill that reconciles the differences between the House and Senate bills. If it is approved by both houses, it is sent to the President for his signature. 6. The President signs the bill, making it law, or vetoes it. 7. If the President vetoes the bill, it becomes law only if two-thirds of the members of both the House and the Senate vote to override the veto. Working with Your Elected Officials 1. Meet with your representatives and their staff members. 2. Tell them about the problem. Be prepared to present facts. 3. Urge your representatives to sponsor and/or support legislation that will address the problem. Be sure to find out if there is any such legislation already pending. 4. Help your representatives promote the legislation. Invite them to speak at social gatherings and business functions. 5. Follow up with a thank-you letter. 6. Encourage family members and friends to urge their representatives to support the legislation. Letter-Writing Campaigns 1. Write to your representatives and other key legislators, such as the chairpersons of the committees considering the legislation and the House and Senate majority leaders. 2. Send concise, timely, factual, and unemotional letters written in your own words. These are much more effective than postcards or form letters. 3. Organize a letter-writing campaign. 4. Keep your letter to one or two pages. Attach a fact sheet if necessary. 5. Write letters to the editors of local newspapers and magazines to get the attention of legislators and inform members of the public. 6. Make telephone calls and send e-mail, faxes, and mailgrams just before the legislation is scheduled to be voted on. Chapter 6 Shelter Programs 13 ASPCA Keys to a Great Shelter Coalition Building 1. Work with other respected humane organizations and shelters. 2. Work with government officials who can help. Get them involved from the very beginning. 3. Show members of the community how they are affected by the problem and how working together will benefit everyone involved. 4. Work with the media. Concentrate on local media, stick to the facts, appoint a press spokesperson, and time your coverage so that it appears while the legislation is being considered. Letters to the Editor 1. Write immediately, while the issue is hot. By the time you succeed in writing a masterpiece, editorial interest may be long gone. 2. Whenever possible, bring new information or a fresh perspective to the subject. 3. Focus your readers with a well-chosen headline and stick to one issue. 4. Familiarize yourself with the letters-to-the-editor page so you’ll know what kind of letters the editors tend to select. 5. Keep your language simple. Use short words, short sentences, and short paragraphs. Avoid trite phrases and clichés. This is my goal.....and what needs to be completed....
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 03:45:28 +0000
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