Library Advocacy Workshop
- A Publication of the Wyoming Library Association Legislative Commitee -
What Is Lobbying?
Lobbying is the art of influencing and informing an elected official on behalf of your special interest. Lobbying can be as simple as making a phone call to your legislator to persuade him or her to vote a particular way on a bill or as complex as preparing a detailed proposal for a bill or amendment.
Who Should You Lobby?
State legislators, county commissioners, city council members, school board members - anyone who make a decision that affects your library. Your best bet is to keep informed about issues pertaining to your library and its needs.
Why Do Librarians Need To Lobby?
Our elected officials need to know about the issues that face libraries and the public we serve. When decisions are made concerning funding and laws affecting libraries, librarians must share their expertise with lawmakers to ensure informed decisions are made.
What Value Is There In Lobbying?
Lobbying helps convey your organization's positions to elected officials. A primary goal of a lobbyist is to provide current, factual information on an issue a lawmaker may be making a decision on. Legislators appreciate this effort since some information may be difficult and time-consuming for them to obtain.
Who Can Lobby
Anyone can lobby their elected officials. You must register with the Wyoming Legislative Service Office if you represent an association, corporation, labor union or any other interest, other than personal during a legislative session.
Most effective, however, are grassroots efforts. Legislators are best persuaded by calls and letters from their constituents. Libraries with a strong base of public support offer ideal opportunities for grassroots lobbying efforts. Work with the public you serve throughout the year, compiling a list of supporters that you can call on at crucial times.
How To Lobby
Personal contact is best, whether it be through phone calls or letters. Her are some tips to help you get started:
- Personal contact at the local level is critical. Don't wait for the day of a crucial vote to get to know your legislator; let your support begin during his or her political campaign. Offer to volunteer for a candidate whose philosophy you share.
- Maintain contact throughout he year. One way of doing this is to send items of interest to the legislator. Newspaper articles about a legislator's family members, or stories relating to a hobby or special interest add a personal touch your legislator will remember.
- Invite your elected officials to take a tour of the library. Begin with a letter of invitation and, if need be, follow up with a phone call. Keep the tour brief but informative.
- Never provide a legislator with inaccurate information. If you are a question and are unsure of the answer, tell the legislator your will get back to him or her. Then follow up.
- Talk about library issues with other groups in your community. Take every opportunity to bring the library and issues facing it to the public eye.
When Lobbying Doesn't Work
If your lobbying effort fails, remember that there are two sides to every issue. Be willing to compromise, and don't take a loss personally. Most importantly, don't burn any bridges. Remember that issues, candidates and political climates all change. The old adage of "try, try again" is a good lobbyist's rule of thumb. The legislator who voted down one bill may be your best ally on the next issue.
Best Advise For Would-Be Lobbyists:
Where Can I Learn More About Issues Affecting Libraries
Being informed is one of the most important rules in lobbying. Here are ways you can learn about issues facing Wyoming libraries:
- Contact WLA Legislative Committee members or the WLA lobbyist there names are listed in the WLA membership directory, and can be found online at
- Speak to your county librarian or library director.
- Read fact sheets provided by the WLA Legislative Committee each session.
- Follow the information distributed by the WLA Legislative Committee over WYLD e-mail before and during the session. Check the Legislative Committee News page at http://www.wyla.org/legislative/commnews.shtml or the WLA General Discussion Board at for postings relating to advocacy issues.
- Read your local newspaper, listen to local radio news shows, watch your local television news.
- Contact the Wyoming State Library.
- Attend the annual legislative reception sponsored by WLA.
Resources To Help You
To receive additional printed materials relating to Library Advocacy & Effective Lobbying, please contact Lucie Osborn () at the Laramie County Library System.
Lawmakers of Wyoming. A directory of state legislators printed every two years by the Wyoming Trucking Association. For a copy, write P.O. Box 1909, Casper, WY 82602.
Successful Lobbying. A guidebook printed by the Wyoming Capital Club, P.O. Box 428, Cheyenne, WY 82003-0428. (307) 771-6007.
US West Legislative Directory. Printed annually by US West Communications. Foe a copy, call the State Capital Building Information Desk, (307) 777-7220.
Wyoming Capital Club Membership Directory. A directory of registered lobbyists printed annually. Contact the WCC at P.O. Box 428, Cheyenne, WY 82003-0428. (307) 771-6007.
1994 Wyoming Official Directory. A directory of state boards and agencies published by the Secretary of State's Office. It is free to Wyoming residents. Call (307) 777-7378.
Websites
- ALA Home Page -
- ALA Washington Office -
- Wyoming State Legislature -
- Secretary of State -
- Wyoming Library Association -
- Also check City and County websites.
