Overview of advocacy meetings.

1. @txtbks | #iolsf
www.sparc.arl.org

2. @txtbks | #iolsf
Advocacy Meeting Structure
1. Introduction: Break the ice, introduce
yourself/your organization, and establish
credibility (if necessary)
2. Pitch: Explain the issue, why your policy is
important, and how it benefits the person
3. Ask: Ask them to do something
4. Closing: Say how you will follow up, and be
sure to thank them!

3. @txtbks | #iolsf
Responding to Questions
1. Acknowledge that you understand
their question
2. Give a brief answer that directly
addresses it
3. Bring it back to the benefits of open

4. @txtbks | #iolsf
Advocacy Tips
• Prepare for the meeting and know who
the person is
• Keep your goal in mind at all times
• Look for opportunities to build a
relationship with the person
• Focus on the positive
• If the first ask goes well, don’t be afraid
to ask for more

5. @txtbks | #iolsf
Advocacy Tips
• Don’t use jargon
• Resist going into the weeds
• Avoid using the word “but” when you
answer questions
• When you don’t know the answer, offer to
follow up with more information
• Be prepared to to back up statements with
facts

6. @txtbks | #iolsf
Advocacy Meeting Structure
1. Introduction: Break the ice, introduce
yourself/your organization, and establish
credibility (if necessary)
2. Pitch: Explain the issue, why your policy is
important, and how it benefits the person
3. Ask: Ask them to do something
4. Closing: Say how you will follow up, and be
sure to thank them!