Take compelling data, add effective storytelling, plus a clear and concise ask and you get an effective strategy for policy change. This simple formula is an essential part of advocacy at the federal, state, local and hyperlocal levels.

Lauren Cohen, the associate director of government relations at the National Trust for Historic Preservation said, “This formula will not get you a ‘yes’ every single time, but this formula has been proven to be impactful in organizing your thoughts and streamlining your advocacy in a very clear way.”

However, this is just one of the important elements to ensure your success as an advocate and is incredibly helpful once you get in the room for a conversation. But it is equally important to make sure that you build and maintain a relationship with these officials before and after that conversation.

It is imperative to acknowledge that we live in uncertain times and that the standard way of doing our advocacy work may not be as effective as it has been in the past. But as we try other strategies and tactics the value of this formula still holds to make the case and galvanize supporters at all levels of government.

Watch the training video below and check out the 5 Tips to learn more.

1. Be prepared, polite, and persistent.

There are several things that must happen before you even get a meeting with an elected official. First, do your homework. Know the elected official’s positions and the committees on which they serve. To confirm a meeting, you’ll need to work with the scheduler or district director, and it is important to be courteous, persistent, and flexible as things shift in the legislative calendar. Make sure to be clear about who is attending the meeting and establish a connection with the communications director and press secretary so that you are ready for any follow-up.

Before the meeting, gather your data and determine what key stories you want to share with the elected officials. Laying the groundwork early will strengthen the relationship and provide more opportunities for connection at later dates.

2. Be likable and credible.

When you are in a meeting, be open and friendly during your conversations with the elected officials or the staff you are meeting with. However, you must also be convincing - it is a critical moment when you present the data you have gathered, as these details and examples will give you credibility as an expert on the subject you are presenting.

3. Stay focused on the agenda and know who on your team is speaking on each point.

If you are not the only individual attending the meeting, make sure that everyone on your team is prepared. Determine ahead of time who will speak on each point and during the meeting make sure that you provide openings for each individual to speak. Sometimes it is easy to lose focus as the staff or elected official ask questions but remember to always bring the conversation back to the issue at hand.

4. Say "THANK YOU!" (Make sure you follow up.)

Advocacy does not end when you walk out of the elected official’s office. Make sure to send a thank you note, not just to the elected officials themselves but anyone who helped you to set up the meeting along the way. In addition to expressing gratitude for their time, this is the moment to include follow-up materials or photos that you took during the visit, build an ongoing relationship with staff, and provides an opening for you to reach out at a later date to check in on actions taken on advocacy requests.