NGO Networking

Lobbying Techniques

State & Local Legislators

Congress/ GLOBE

US Delegation Contacts

Media Tactics

Lobbying Techniques

There are several types of lobbying that will be useful for the World Summit. One form of lobbying involves contacting local, state, and national leaders (as well as journalists) and urging them to attend, or at least pay attention to the Summit. There is also lobbying of UN government delegations at the Summit itself.

Lobbying at a UN event is a strong way to make your point known, but takes some strategy and prior knowledge to be most effective. The key is to find and support those governments who have positions similar to what you'd like to see, which puts pressure on those governments who contradict your desired outcomes. In addition, becoming friendly with government delegates is often beneficial in cases where the only way to get your proposal included in the discussion is to have a friendly government raise it for you.

For those who have not been involved with CSD-style lobbying, one of the best ways to educate yourself on lobbying strategies is to read these guidebooks:

• "Briefing for Participation in Earth Summit 2002" [PDF]. Published by Stakeholder Forum, this 61 page booklet is a quick but informative view into the processes and players involved in the Summit.
  
• "Written and unwritten rules for NGOs in the WSSD game: Rules for lobbying in Joburg". The Danish 92 Group has put together this online briefing containing helpful notes on logistics, what to expect, and how to influence the WSSD, as part of their Rio10 website for civil society participation in the South. (Much of it is relevant to an American audience as well.)

For contacting Congressmen, take a look at these practical tips for getting letters read which may help you to get the attention you deserve from a staffer.