Grassroots Lobbying

Traditional lobbying versus grassroots lobbying

Traditional lobbying involves any attempt to influence new or existing legislation by communicating with an elected member of a legislative body or other government official who has a say in the legislation. On the other hand, grassroots lobbying involves the mass mobilization of the public around a legislative issue. Grassroots lobbyists ask the general public — including friends, family members, members of the clergy, or members of other organizations and associations — to work with them in contacting their legislators and other officials regarding an issue.

Grassroots lobbying is citizen participation in local, state, or federal government. The key to successful grassroots lobbying efforts is assembling people who share common goals and concerns. Grassroots communications are vital in educating legislators about the concerns of their constituents in their elected locale, district, or state. If constituents do not share their views with their elected members, then those views will not be considered by the elected member when he or she votes on important issues. To make a difference, grassroots lobbyists need only write, call, or meet with their elected members!

Why should you become a grassroots lobbyist?

Grassroots lobbying is our best weapon when protecting the court reporting, captioning, scoping, and legal videography professions because it ensures that we will successfully reach and influence elected members within the states and within Congress. In the past political decisions were primarily made in Washington, D.C. However, today more elected representatives are focusing on the concerns of their constituents, the local communities, and the people. As former Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill stated, "All politics is local."

It is incumbent on every court reporter, captioner, legal videographer, and scopist to let their elected officials know their concerns. It is also your duty to educate your elected officials on how any proposed legislation will affect the professions. The time to act is now — not after legislation is passed and enacted that could adversely affect the professions! Remember, if a legislative issue does not have the support of an elected member’s constituents, he or she might ignore it.

Why does grassroots lobbying work?

As a voter you have the most powerful tool available on Capitol Hill, your vote. You have the ability to hold each representative accountable to you as a constituent. Without hearing from you, your legislator does not know what is important to you as a court reporter. Your recommendation may be the deciding factor in a member’s decision to vote for or against a bill. You make a difference!

How to get started?

Get started by visiting the NCRA Advocacy Action Center or by contacting the Government Relations department at ncragr@ncra.org to get assistance with organizing your grassroots campaign. Take a few minutes out of your schedule to protect your profession. Remember, if you don’t take action, who will?