How to Influence and Interact

In very general terms, there are two principal concerns that guide the decisions of elected officials:

                1.  They want to make good public policy; and

                2.  They want to make the decisions that help them get re-elected.

Your contact with legislators and other elected officials responds to both of these goals.  Good public policy means creating environments in which citizens can thrive and in which there is a high quality of life – these are the exact community issues addressed by parks and recreation agencies.

Build a Relationship With Your Elected Official

Cultivating a relationship with your legislators (and any elected official) and their staff is fundamental to any successful grassroots advocacy effort.  Interaction is especially valuable when it involves constituents who the legislator or elected official knows well and trusts.

There are several ways to build and nurture these relationships, including becoming involved in the campaign process.  Ways to become involved in the campaign process include:

• Donating money to the campaign – Political candidates will appreciate and acknowledge any contributions to their campaigns.  Federal and state laws require candidates to report contributions.  You should check with your jurisdictional Election Commission for specifics on amounts you may contribute to federal, state and local candidates. 
• Volunteering your time – Campaigns always need volunteers to help with stuffing envelopes and other tasks.  Volunteering for a campaign can be a good family activity, giving children insight into the political process and demonstrating the important of being involved.
• Hosting fundraisers for the candidate.  Fundraisers do not have to be elaborate.  For example, you could host a fundraising breakfast for a small group in your home.  If you decide to hold a fundraiser on behalf of a candidate, be sure to familiarize yourself with the applicable election laws first.
  

Beyond becoming involved in a campaign, there are many ways you can contact, build relationships, and influence your elected officials, including writing letters or emails, calling the office, in-person meetings, or inviting them to your park openings, programs and events.

Interacting With Your Elected Official

As a Floridian, one of your greatest responsibilities is to help elect the legislators who represent you and the state’s more than 22 million other residents.  Your role in the democratic process of government does not end at the polls.  By sharing your opinions and ideas with your representatives and senators in Tallahassee, you help them decide what to do about the issues and pending legislation that affect us all.

Influencing policy/legislation is most successful when individuals have developed personal relationships with their elected officials, or the agency assigned to implementing the policy/legislation. As constituents and leaders in the parks, recreation and leisure services field, you are best equipped to be influential with your elected members of Congress, the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida Senate, and your local elected officials.

Regardless of whether or not you supported your legislator, you should meet with them shortly after their election.  Personal visits will help build a relationship.  A courtesy call after the election to introduce yourself and offer your expertise as a resource on parks and recreation issues is appropriate.  Personal contact is the most effective form of communication with legislators and elected officials who want to hear from their constituents.  This also includes building your sphere of influence and credibility in the community by being engaged in a variety of networking opportunities such as Chamber of Commerce programs, Economic Development events, partnerships with your local school district, etc.