Become an Environmental Lobbyist

Advocacy Training

​

Meet with our trainers

Marie Tempesta�Advocacy adviser

Thomas Mourey�Young FoEE Coordinator

Influencing decision makers: why?

• To bring about a change for climate justice

​

• To bring the youth voice in the debate

​

• To bring activists’ perspective and expertise in the debate

​

• To keep decision makers accountable

​

• Because private companies will do it!

Influencing decision makers: what?

​

• What is advocacy?
• Advocacy is an activity by an individual or group which aims to influence decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions.
• Which kind of activities are included in advocacy?
• Advocacy meetings with policy makers – example: meetings with Members of the European Parliament
• Proposing bills to decision makers, preparing amendments: example: proposing amendments to Members of the European Parliament on the Green Deal, on the CAP, etc.
• Public speaking in an event – example: when you, as youth advocates speak in public events
• Media campaigns – example: use of social media
• Publishing research or position papers – example: youth proposal

​

​

​

Influencing decision makers: how?

​

• What do we want to change?
• Who has the power to make change happen?
• Example of Members of the European Parliament�https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/search/advanced?name=&countryCode=
• How to choose your target:�Per committee: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/home �Per file: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/search/search.do?searchType=0&text=climate%20law
• Choose an MEP who is powerful: chair of a committee, coordinator of a group, etc.
• Choose an MEP who works on your topics: rapporteurs, shadow rapporteurs
• Choose an MEP who is a champion/an ally for your topics
• Choose an MEP you can convince before a vote

Influencing decision makers: how?

​

• Who has the power to make change happen?
• Quiz time! Find your target:
• Find the name of the Chair of the ENVI committee
• Find the name of the Green coordinator in the ENVI committee
• Find the MEP responsible for the report “European Climate Law”
• Find the MEP responsible for the report “EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030”

Influencing decision makers: TIPS

• How to be successful: know your target inside out!

​

• Know and understand their key political positions
• What have they been up to politically recently? Check their social media!
• Understand points of agreement between you and your target... ...and possible points of conflict

​

Influencing decision makers: TIPS

​

• How to be successful: Approach your target with a solution, not with a problem

​

• Anticipate problems and have responses and recommendations ready
• Do not come with complains only, but be propositional
• If a problem persists, maintain the relationship and dialogue

Influencing decision makers: TIPS

​

• How to be successful: knowledge is power
• The more you know about the issue, the more your target will rely upon you as a source of information
• The more you understand about the process (e.g. a piece of legislation, the election fight) the better understanding you will have about your target’s position
• Make your case, backed up by facts and statistics that support your argument. As a youth advocate, also use your personal expertise and experience.
• Have at least one clear ask you want them to do.

Influencing decision makers: TIPS

​

• How to be successful: plan what to do and say during a meeting, including online
• Look clean and tidy, you don’t have to wear a suit but it’s good to look proper – even online!
• Be prepared. Take notes to remember any commitments they make.
• Use your personal experiences to explain why this issue matters to you.
• Mention your country, and where you come from - they care about their constituents (voters!)
• You don’t have to be perfect. If you forget a fact or fumble your words, don’t worry! You can always follow up in writing with anything you forget to say during the meeting.

Influencing decision makers: TIPS

​

• How to be successful: Politics is about relationships

​

• Make sure you give and take, not just take: give information, suggestions, opportunities for the MEP to gain visibility, etc.
• Understand politicians’ sensitivities
• Be passionate, but remain professional and polite

It does not stop here!

Contact your national MEPs or key MEPs!�Now, you know how to contact them and to address them!

Environmental activism can be made at all levels. You can contact:

• Your national MPs
• National ministries
• Regional and local councilors
• Mayors and vice-mayors
• Etc.

Let’s influence them!

AND TABLES TO COMPARE DATA

Checklist – preparing for a meeting

Questions?

Template by Training for Change

Notes template

Tips: To do

• Be confident!
• Be clear about the outcomes you want to have (get information, influence an ongoing process etc.)
• Do your homework - be prepared! Research who the MEP is: country, committee, positions, interests > check out their social media, watch a video with them
• Establish connection > relate to their personal / local interests/ issues
• Focus on 3 main priorities, have your key facts/ messages / demands prepared, support those with examples

​

• Take control – direct questions
• Make compliments
• Have some unusual or unexpected questions – “you used to say….”
• Be flexible and react to unforeseeable comments/reactions
• Have a document to leave behind > a short briefing, ideally with visuals. Visuals work well
• Think how you can be useful to them > share information, knowledge
• Agree follow up & action > sign something, submit and amendment, make a statement, support something, build up longer term relationship

Tips: To avoid

• Don’t ramble
• Don’t criticise
• Don’t let them dominate
• Don’t be aggressive
• Don’t rant

Thank you

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us!

​