Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19
Page 20
Page 21
Page 22
Page 23
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
Page 27
Page 28
Page 29
Page 30
Page 31
Page 32
Page 33
Page 34
Page 35
Page 36
Page 37
Page 38
Page 39
Page 40
Page 41
Page 42
Page 43
Page 44
Page 45
Page 46
Page 47
Page 48
Page 49
Page 50
Page 51
Page 52
Page 53
Page 54
Page 55
Page 56
Page 57
Page 58
Page 59
Page 60
Page 61
Page 62
Page 63
Page 64
Page 65
Page 66
Page 67
Page 68
Page 69
Page 70
Page 71
Page 72
Page 73
Page 74
Page 75
Page 76
Page 77
Page 78
Page 79
Page 80
Page 81
Page 82
Page 83
Page 84
Page 85
Page 86
6 SEEDWORLD.COM JUNE 2015 AS THE POPULATION grows each year the agriculture industry is faced with the difficult task of meeting the demand for more food fiber and fuel. Working with policymakers is critical to ensuring the future of the industry. Its important to be active in the process says Pat Miller director of state affairs for the American Seed Trade Association ASTA. This is how we address issues and solve problems. Every citizen needs to be a part of that community. ASTA is hosting a Storm the Hill event as part of its Annual Convention held June 17-20 in Washington D.C. Jane DeMarchi ASTA vice president of govern- ment affairs says the event is great for first-timers or seasoned advocates. The association provides talking points and handouts. Its a terrific opportunity she says. Its great to go into a meeting with others who share your vision. It strengthens the message. When you meet with a legislator experts agree its important to remember the following tips 1. Be prepared. Spend some time before the meeting to ensure you know the information youre presenting. Have the information ready to go you want to be respectful of their time says John Latham president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds Inc. in Alexander Iowa. Latham also serves as an ASTA regional vice president and chairman of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee and has many years of experience working with policymakers. 2. Make a connection. Its not just about the hard facts Latham says. You need to tell your story. Its easier to make an impres- sion on someone if you have something in common. DeMarchi says even if you only have a few minutes build yourself up as a source of information they can return to in the future. She suggests questions about hometowns colleges and past industry experience to find a connection. 3. Be brief. Now isnt the time for long introductions and lots of specific details. On the hill things change really fast so be flexible and have your elevator speech down Latham says. Most of the time meetings on Capitol Hill last between 15 and 20 minutes. Meetings with a govern- ment official can last 45 minutes. After about 20 min- utes youll start to lose some attention Miller says. You also shouldnt try to cover all the issues in one meeting. Its best to choose two or three key topics. 4. Ask questions. You want to leave openings in your conversation for questions and discussion. This allows you to see exactly what each senator or representative is most interested in. Make sure you arent just repeating a speech. Let the meeting be a conversation Latham says. 5. Follow up effectively. One visit is good but there is follow-up involved Miller adds. Always send a thank you note even if just by email. You want them to remember your meeting for the next time an issue comes up. Leaving behind information is a good strategy but keep it brief. Dont hand them a five-page document he says. Miller also recommends getting to know any local staff and checking in every few months. Keeping the above to-dos in mind will help to ensure that you have successful meetings when on Capitol Hill or even when meeting with your state policymakers. While there are many items to remember there are also a couple things to avoid at these meetings 1. Dont be intimidated. The most important thing is to remember they are just people Miller says. They are your neighbors and they want to see you as much as you want to see them. He encourages first-time advocates to keep in mind that legislators are in office because of and for you. They are there to listen to you and they are always looking for good information Miller adds. 2. Dont take disagreement personally. If youre speaking with someone who doesnt share your Practicing Politics Brush Up Your Skills with this How-to Guide for Talking with Policymakers. Melissa Shipman TIPS AT A GLANCE 1. Be prepared. 2. Make a connection. 3. Be brief. 4. Ask questions. 5. Follow up effectively. THINGS TO AVOID 1. Dont be intimidated. 2. Dont take disagreement personally. 3. Dont ramble. 4. Dont assume everyone is an expert. 5. Dont have unreasonable expectations.