lobbying
An Australian civil society success story | Joan Staples
Late 2017, Joan Staples first wrote of threats to democratic advocacy from three foreign interference Bills. Then in November 2018, the final most controversial Bill, the Electoral Funding and Disclosure Reform Bill, was passed with the support of civil society. The...
The unicorn activity: Political lobbying role play
This role play activity, developed by the Centre for Australian Progress, is an interactive workshop to help people experience a political lobbying meeting in a light-hearted way. The role play involves people being from either the Minister for Magical Creatures, or...
Public health advocacy: 10 pieces of advice
Together, these tips focus on the importance of preserving public confidence in the evidence base underscoring public policy; being clear and concrete about the policy reforms you support; emphasising the values on which policy is based; understanding the structure,...
Using shadow reports for advocacy: New Tactics
The New Tactics online dialogue “Using Shadow Reports for Advocacy” explored the various tactics in using shadow reports for supporting democracy and promoting government accountability in human rights. In the beginning of the dialogue, participants defined what...
PETA’s guide to becoming an activist
If you’re shy, uncomfortable with public speaking, or new at activism, you may feel like you are all alone. But it only takes one individual to reach hundreds of people and influence their often-unwittingly exploitative attitudes and lifestyles. Perhaps there are no...
Getting politicians’ attention
Tips and resources for lobbying, including meeting and contact elected representatives, writing letters, sending emails, phone calls, contacting newspapers, etc.
Bernard Keane’s advice on writing to politicians
Standard words are worked up by bureaucrats and edited and signed off by the Minister’s staff when they’re happy the words are risk-free or convey the desired message. In most departments, they are then loaded into electronic ministerial correspondence systems. This...
How to write a letter to a politician
Sitting down and writing an original letter to a politician isn’t as convenient as sending a form letter or email composed by someone else, but it is much more effective and much more likely to receive a personalised response.
Lobbywatch
Lobbywatch helps track deceptive public relations and features a list of think tanks, front groups, PR operators and industry friendly experts.
Centre for Lobbying and Public Interest
The Centre promotes supports and protects non- government organisations participating in the public policy process. Information and resources on how to lobby.
Lobbying workshop outline and resources
We’ve created a process guide to help facilitators design and lead a 1-2 hour participatory workshop on lobbying. The workshop draws on resources developed by Lois Levy.
Lobbying your Member of Parliament
A brainstorm, role play and debriefing activity (developed by Peter from World Vision) to prepare to meet your member of Parliament.
Advocacy and Lobbying
John Murphy (2003) Workshop paper presented to the Sense of Place conference hosted by the Network of Inner East Community Houses, Victoria.
Community action and engagement
James Whelan (2006). Case studies of Maleny and Gold Coast environmental campaigns.