Lobbying for Social Change

Book excerpt: Written by a leader in the field of American social policy, this new edition provides case examples and step-by-step suggestions for individuals who wish to get involved and have an impact on social policy. Using a nuts-and-bolts approach, Lobbying for Social Change is ideal for those with no previous experience in advocating for public policy. This new edition avoids professional and academic jargon and prepares readers to effectively lobby face-to-face with public officials with its new chapters on the changing context of political action and how to use the new technology of the information age to aid lobbying efforts. Make yourself heard with this informative guide to the process of advocating social change. Extensive case material is drawn from current battles for policy change--abortion, funding of mental health services, welfare reform, and environmental pollution--revealing the successful strategies employed by activists on the front line today. Lobbying for Social Change is thoroughly practical and readable, avoiding professional and academic jargon. Aside from its use to anyone wishing to be an advocate, this important volume provides fascinating reading on the impact of activism on policy decisions. Highlights of the book include: the specific activities for preparing to do any kind of lobbying techniques to adapt the general principles of lobbying to different political styles of public officials a step-by-step guide from the pre-visit preparation through the visit itself and the follow-up strategies to involve an audience in the work of making a case tips for handling problem audiences advice on what to expect in a public hearing, and how to prepare for it, make an effective presentation, and field questions from legislators distinctive features of the newspaper, radio, and television, and tips for using each medium advantageously