This is a 4-part series where I will share a strategy that you can become more familiar with: lobbying, writing and media campaigns, using social media, and rallies/demonstrations. If you’ve read any of my other blog posts (and I thank you if you have been), you know that I’m all about sexual/reproductive wellness and rights, but I believe that these tips can be used for a variety of causes. Feel free to focus on the tips throughout the coming weeks that inspire you the most and what makes the most sense for your cause.

Originally posted for The Pro-Choice Public Education Project

Revised November 8, 2011

Today, the state of Mississippi will vote on Amendment 26 (aka, the Personhood Amendment), an amendment that, if passed, will give the legal rights of a person to an unborn fetus, thereby banning all abortion, and likely banning forms of birth control and in vitro fertilization. This could be a huge win for the pro-choice movement, or a really huge loss.

People across the country have been organizing to educate Mississippians (and people in many states in which similar bills are set to be introduced in their states) about how this amendment will become a detriment to women and their families if passed. When it comes to sexual and reproductive rights, it’s important for women, especially women of color, to educate ourselves about the laws and policies that are passed and/or taken away by our state and federal legislators to ensure that our voices (and our bodies) are protected.

With all the excitement in the air about the 2012 election season, I wanted to share my tips on ways that you can become move committed to the process of creating change in your community.  And Lesson 1 is a doozy, often because it can be very intimidating.

Get your pens, paper, and laptops ready to take notes on Lesson 1: lobbying.

Lobbying is the act of speaking with local and federal public policy decision-makers in an effort to gain their support for current legislative laws or new bills that are in favor of what you feel citizens will want. The word “lobby” comes from the idea that advocates would stand in the lobbies of their representatives and senators and push to have people support their issues. In other words, lobbying is about getting people to do what you want. The more persuasive you are, the better the chances of having more laws that will reflect positively on the group of individuals you’re representing.

Who Do Lobbyists Target?

Lobbyists target political legislators, people that we vote into state and local office. For federal leaders, they are elected to represent their home state as legislators in Washington, DC. They become members of Congress, and are either a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate. For state legislators, they are elected to represent their county or district, and are also a member of their state’s House or Senate.

What is a Legislator?

A legislator has many roles- lawmaker, a representative of her/his state or local government, and an overseer of the interests of her/his national and state citizens. As a lawmaker, legislators propose, study, discuss, and vote on legislation to become law as well as modify or completely eliminate current laws. As a representative, legislators serve her/his constituents (citizens) at the federal or state level. Federal legislators serve as liaisons between their state and Washington, DC, and state legislators serve as liaisons between their county/district and their local government. As overseers, legislators make sure that the laws are being carried out according to their legislative intent.

What Does the Legislative Process Involve?

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