Engaging elected officials: A guide for golf course superintendents this election season

We all know relationships require routine communication. In the advocacy space, this is particularly evident during an election season, when countless election messages are pushed to our devices, screens, and mailboxes. Elected officials understand the benefit of reaching their constituents directly. They need to create a relationship to drive action — and secure your vote on Nov. 5.

Elected officials still need your relationship beyond the ballot box.

As a member of the golf course maintenance industry, you have an important perspective to share with local elected officials, who lead our communities. The election cycle brings new — and renewed — opportunities to connect. Elected officials want and need your expert knowledge to make sound policy decisions. Proactive and sustained outreach to local elected officials can position you as a credible source. When an industry question arises, you’ll have an opportunity to positively impact public policy.

So, what can you do? How can you ensure your voice is heard?

First, find your local elected officials. You can find your representatives through your state board of election website. You can also work with your industry trade organization to target the policymakers who impact your industry.

Then, develop a plan for outreach. To build a relationship with your elected officials, ask for an introductory meeting before an issue becomes a concern. If a visit isn’t possible, written communication by email or letter can be effective — especially if time is a factor. Whether in-person, virtual, or written, consider the following best practices:

• Do your homework: Know some general information about the elected official with whom you are meeting (e.g., political party affiliation, length of time in office, committees serving, career field).
• Know the elected official’s position: If you are meeting to discuss specific legislation, learn his/her position before the meeting. Don’t hesitate to ask during your meeting if you’re uncertain of the elected official’s position.
• Be prepared: Just like you, the elected official’s time is valuable, so you’ll want to keep your visit brief and to the point. Know the message you want to deliver and have an outline of what you want to discuss. Try to anticipate potential questions and be prepared to answer them.
• Have a clear “call-to-action”: What is it that you want the elected official to do? Make a clear and direct request.

When meeting an elected official directly, remember these tips:

• Engage in two-way dialogue: While you’ll want to keep your meeting brief, be certain to show an interest in his/her work by asking a few general questions, e.g., what is your number one priority for this legislative session?
• Be honest: You want to be viewed as a credible resource, so you should never deceive the elected official in any way. If you cannot answer a question, tell the official you don’t have the answer, but you will get the answer as soon as possible. Then, be sure to follow up!
• Discuss the impact of legislation: If you’re meeting with your elected official to discuss specific legislation, explain how the legislation would impact you as a constituent, your business, and the elected official’s constituency as a whole.
• Provide written material: Give the elected official written material on your business letterhead that outlines the important points you made during your meeting.
• Follow up: After your meeting, send a handwritten note to express your appreciation for the meeting and invite the elected official to call upon you whenever he/she has a question about your work and industry. Send thank-you notes when the elected official takes the position you asked him/her to support.

For written communications, ensure clarity and conciseness. Depending on the issue, your letter or email may be written on behalf of your business or from you and others in your industry as voting constituents.

• Avoid form letters: Letters should be specific to your perspective.
• Be direct and succinct: Include the purpose of your letter or email in your opening paragraph, and clearly state your position throughout your correspondence. If you are writing about a particular piece of legislation, explain the legislation’s impact on your business, as a constituent, or as an employer of the elected official’s constituents.
• Request a Response: Request the elected official provide a follow-up response to your letter or email.

Each of us has a responsibility know our elected officials and their policy positions. As part of the relationship-building process, continue the conversation beyond one point of outreach. Periodically share information about your business and its activities and consider attending a fundraiser for candidates running for office so they’ll know you when elected.

Cultivating effective relationships with elected officials will position you as a trusted expert about the benefits you deliver, your services and practices, and role in the community. Check with your state and national associations for resources or contact the Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE). We’re here to help you get started.

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<p>The post Engaging elected officials: A guide for golf course superintendents this election season first appeared on Golfdom.</p>