Ma. Luningning Laurente, SSOFDHEV Community Organizer assigned in Barangay Mabuhay, Tandag City, lobbies before the Barangay Development
Council of Mabuhay the creation of an Education and a Health Committee
in support of the project.
Lobbying is an integral part of the community development process. Many development agenda can be successfully achieved through lobbying. Lobbying is done to try to change an existing policy or situation, to redress government a perceived grievance and keeping them aware of voter’s views and interest. Lobbying is usually done before a government agency or official who has the authority and power to deliver the objective of the lobby.
Lobbying is a skill that every development professional should have. Effective lobbying work on the part of a development professional helps promote social awareness among political leaders and government officers. Government policies and programs would become more attuned to the sentiments of the people as a result of effective lobbying.
There are 2 methods of lobbying: the Direct method and the Indirect method. The direct method takes the form of direct communication between the lobbyist/s and the intended person. The most commonly used ways of direct lobbying are personal meetings, petitions, and mails. The indirect method takes the form of media campaign utilizing mass media (i.e., newspaper, radio and television) and the help of media professionals.
There are 2 kinds of lobbying activity: the Inside lobbying activity and the Outside lobbying activity. Representation in legislative chamber is an example of Inside lobbying. Outside lobbying is done outside the capitol or legislative chamber. News conference, rally and letter-writing campaign are examples of Outside lobbying.
The rule of thumb in lobbying is: The fewer the agenda, the better. An overloading of agenda is often the cause of weak or weakened positioning. Whichever means or activity one chooses to follow, the lobbyist must be ready with a clear and informed agenda.
Lobbying is a skill that every development professional should have. Effective lobbying work on the part of a development professional helps promote social awareness among political leaders and government officers. Government policies and programs would become more attuned to the sentiments of the people as a result of effective lobbying.
There are 2 methods of lobbying: the Direct method and the Indirect method. The direct method takes the form of direct communication between the lobbyist/s and the intended person. The most commonly used ways of direct lobbying are personal meetings, petitions, and mails. The indirect method takes the form of media campaign utilizing mass media (i.e., newspaper, radio and television) and the help of media professionals.
There are 2 kinds of lobbying activity: the Inside lobbying activity and the Outside lobbying activity. Representation in legislative chamber is an example of Inside lobbying. Outside lobbying is done outside the capitol or legislative chamber. News conference, rally and letter-writing campaign are examples of Outside lobbying.
The rule of thumb in lobbying is: The fewer the agenda, the better. An overloading of agenda is often the cause of weak or weakened positioning. Whichever means or activity one chooses to follow, the lobbyist must be ready with a clear and informed agenda.
Research is also a very important aspect of a lobbying activity. There is no substitute to a thorough research study and careful planning before a person or group embarks on a lobbying activity.
A lobbyist/s must include in his or her research work all angles or possible arguments in favor of or against the position he or she is advocating. The more informed and educated the lobbyist is about the issue at hand, the more effective he or she would be in advancing his or her cause.
