FROM THE HILL BECOME A BETTER LANDSCAPE ADVOCATE N
Paul Mendelsohn NALP Vice President of Government Affairs
ow that this election cycle is over, we’d like to provide some insight into how
landscape professionals can inform our na- tion’s decision makers. Importantly, an effec- tive advocate should remember that while city councils, county commissions, state legislatures and Congress all have different structures, every legislative organization has one thing in common: each is comprised of people elected by citizens to represent their interests. Those representatives are accountable to you. Advocates can influence legislative bodies,
and laying the groundwork before the actu- al legislative work begins is a great way to start. This is especially true for newly elected officials; they need to hear from you about the issues that most concern our profession. The more they learn from you now, the more informed they will be about our advocacy interests, which will increase the likelihood that they will act on our behalf. To help you get started, here are some basic
tips: 1. Get to Know Those Who Represent Your Interests. Reach out to your elected officials between now and the start of next year’s legislative session. Congratulate them on their election success and let them know that you are a resource who can answer
Advocates can influence legislative bodies, and laying the groundwork before the actual legis- lative work begins is a great way to start. This is especially true for newly elected officials; they need to hear from you about the issues that most concern our profession.
questions about the landscape profession. This is a great opportunity to continue to build relationships with your elected offi- cials and to start building relationships with those who are newly elected to office. Share information about your work and how it delivers important health and safety protec- tion to the general public. In other words, build relationships with those who are best positioned to have influence when matters of importance to our profession are consid- ered.
2. Let Them Know What You Want. To be an effective advocate, you must have a specific goal in mind. Too often, advocates spend time telling their stories without any idea of what they want their legislator to do. To be successful, you need to know something about what an elected official can (and cannot) do for you. Visit the websites of the city council members, state legislators or members of Congress you want to influence and see what types of services they can best provide. Once you’re clear about how they can help, be sure to “make the ask.” Don’t simply “educate” your elected officials on your issues. Make it clear what action you’d like them to take.
3. Know with Whom You’re Talking. Your voice has the most power with those elected offi- cials who represent the areas where you live and work. This makes you a “constituent.” The communications that matter most to legislators are those from constituents; they demonstrate your relevance to your elected officials and set the stage for a truly power- ful advocacy experience. You can find who represents you at the state or national level through a website like
congress.org. And don’t forget the staff! Most legislators have staff who are eager to work with constitu- ents. They can become your biggest allies in a legislator’s office.
34 THE LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
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