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For years, Pat Libby has been teaching everyday citizens how to pass laws. Most of them knew next to nothing about the legislative process when they got started. Yet, many of those folks surprised themselves by passing a law on their first try.
The Empowered Citizens Guide provides an easy, 10-step framework that breaks down the legislative process into bite-sized pieces. If you are passionate about creating change in your community, city, or state this book provides a simple recipe that you can use to make a difference.
List of contents
- Preface
- Introduction
- Chapter 1. A Quick Roadmap to the Lawmaking Process
- Chapter 2. Introducing the 10 Steps
- Chapter 3. Step 1: Identify an Issue
- Chapter 4. Step 2: Research the Issue
- Chapter 5. Step 3: Create a Fact Sheet
- Chapter 6. Step 4: Brand the Issue
- Chapter 7. Step 5: Make Out Possible Supporters and Detractors
- Chapter 8. Step 6: Form a Coalition
- Chapter 9. Step 7: Develop Educational Materials
- Chapter 10. Step 8: Launch a Media Campaign
- Chapter 11. Step 9: Approach Elected Officials
- Chapter 12. Step 10: Monitor Progress on the Issue - Getting to the Finish Line
- Chapter 13. Now What? It Ain't Over When it's Over
- Appendix
About the author
Pat Libby is one of the nation's leading experts on citizen lobbying campaigns. A long-time nonprofit leader and recovering academic, she is author of both The Lobbying Strategy Handbook, and Cases in Nonprofit Management. Pat has made it her mission to teach people how to create change through the legislative process. She is also the founder of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego.
Summary
For years, Pat Libby has been teaching everyday citizens how to pass laws. Most of them knew next to nothing about the legislative process when they got started, yet many surprised themselves by passing a law on their first try. The Empowered Citizens Guide provides an easy, 10-step framework that breaks down the legislative process into bite-sized pieces. For those who are passionate about creating change in their communities, cities, or states this book provides a simple recipe to make a difference.
Libby provides an explanation of terms related to advocacy and lobbying as well as the legal rules for public charities that want to lobby. A detailed overview of the ten steps is illustrated by a real-life example of how a mother, whose son's addiction was fueled by over-the-counter drugs, fought alongside a few friends to pass a law that addressed a root of the problem. The Empowered Citizens Guide is the perfect text for those who want to create meaningful change.
Additional text
This book is an easy-to-read, very accessible, practical guide to the lobbying process, particularly with state legislatures. It is easy to imagine it being used as a supporting text in classes on advocacy or public policy.
