Lobbying: Easier Than You Think.
Share
On Friday, August 24, 2007, members from ONE and World Wings / CARE International met with Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart at his district office in Miami.
The days leading up to the meeting were a bit nerve-racking since ONE member Ana M. Ortuno and I didn’t know what to expect. We were both first-time lobbyists, and also the only two constituents who had, until then, agreed to attend the meeting. Still, we knew it would be a great experience for the both of us and created a great partnership that helped us achieve a successful meeting.
First, we met at a Starbucks a few days prior to the appointment to go over talking points. Then, Ana notified Joan from ONE about the meeting, which I had secured with the Congressman a few weeks earlier through a scheduling process that happily turned out simpler than expected: send a meeting request by fax, wait three or four days for a response and set a date. Once Ana contacted Joan, e-mails from other ONE members and affiliates started pouring in and we realized we should have given notice earlier! To our relief, Alicia Smith from World Wings International, who had previous experience being an advocate for CARE, joined our team even though she found out about the meeting only the night before.
When we met with the Congressman, I introduced ONE and Alicia introduced World Wings International and CARE, WWI’s international charity. Then we went through the Acts and Amendments that we were there to discuss. We began with the Education for All Act, which Rep. Diaz-Balart quickly stated that he will support. Alicia then spoke about an important reform needed to re-allocate dollars to better prevent the spread of HIV among monogamous, married women in Africa (whose husbands are not being faithful!). He agreed to look into the proposal. He also agreed to closely review the Global Child Survival Act. As for the Fairness in Farm and Food Policy Amendment, since it did not pass when it was presented recently in Congress, we asked him to keep the topic of reforming the U.S. Farm Bill in mind for future discussions; he agreed. He also agreed to support the GROWTH Act and saw merit in the proposal to help women in developing countries.
Though we were a bit nervous initially, Ana and I grew at ease as the minutes went by. It also helped that the representative was very cordial and gave us his full attention. He even asked us to introduce ourselves and backgrounds individually. At the end of the meeting, we had the added bonus of having the representative’s brother, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, join us for a photo. (He had arrived moments before our meeting came to a close.)
The experience was very gratifying, especially for our first time lobbying! As a final step, the three of us will each send a thank you note to the congressman.
-Cibeles Duran
- Previous Post Waterloo, IA, to Become City of ONE?
- Next Post Biden – Live in Vegas
 |
 |
 |
Featured Series
About the Blog
The ONE Blog is a daily log of the anti-poverty movement. The site is operated by ONE staff, with frequent contributions from volunteers, members and partner organizations.
The ONE Blog updates readers daily with the latest in global development news and analysis and what ONE members and our partners are doing around the world to influence world leaders in the fight against global poverty.
The content of each post and each comment represents the views of that author and does not necessarily reflect the views of ONE or ONE Action. ONE does not support or oppose any candidate for elected office, and any post expressing support or opposition for a candidate is not endorsed by ONE.
September 12, 2007 at 2:23 pm
hello. what you guys are doing is great and helping the world since our goverment have too many things going on…like shooting people by accident and hanging out at a ranch.
September 12, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Hi
I am a physician in palm beach Florida and ONE member. I really want to be actively involved in this type of international community activity and lobbying and get some experience. How can I start the process and how can I contact Ana or Alicia. I would appreciate if anyone can help me contacting them . My email doc_girl2003@yahoo.com Thanks a lot…
September 12, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Hello Dr. Bari,
My name is Ana, and I was one of the One members who participated in the meeting with Lincold Diaz-Balart. This was my first time lobbying and it was a great experience, I must say everyone one should do something like this atleast once in their life-time. The way I got involved was by an e-mail I recieved from Joan who is the Regional Field Organizer asking One members for their assistant to sign-up to do lobbying for the month of August. So I decided to participate and the rest is history! =)! I will contact you through e-mail, but one way to try to get involved is by checking local events in the area. Hope that has helped, and we will keep in touch. Have a good one.
September 12, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Thank you for all your efforts in making a difference.
September 12, 2007 at 10:13 pm
To serve the humanity this is an effective way.
September 12, 2007 at 10:29 pm
It is pleasing to see and feel the results of the many efforts and work that is being done. Thanks for being there to lobby. We appreciate all who reach out to help people of the world, who look out for the less Privileged, who want to improve the conditons for future generations.
September 12, 2007 at 10:59 pm
My name is Nurussadad, and I was one of the One members who lived in Indonesia.
Here, there is no ONE’s activity that I see. Please come in to my country?
September 13, 2007 at 12:21 am
I believe we should try for one “cities” which in turn could be become one “states” and then ultimately one “USA.” Individuals are making a difference — now, put together a campaign to gain “city” support.
September 13, 2007 at 1:34 am
My Name is Md.Mahabobur Rahman,I was doing a lot of campaighn on the banner of One Organization In the country name Bangladesh,so please at first you checked my website and deside what you think well.
I have to do campaign as a group Moderator but without this i also gave winter clothes for poor children’s by myself.
I also make a office but still now i didn’t got any sponsore.
What i all done if you will please cheque my group webside
than you will confirm about my exparience( http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/alvioneorg _bd)
campaign to make poverty History about the communicable disease of AIDS.I also maintain my official management sector.
September 13, 2007 at 3:21 am
YOU ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB. FIGHTING FOR THE PROGRESS OF THE DOWNTRODEN. GOD WILL SEE YOU THROUGH IN THIS STRUGGLE.
September 13, 2007 at 6:37 am
There are still numbers of people who have hearts to spread their hands to help other people. But there are more people who still need help. Don’t just stop until this guys. The road is still long. yet, it’s getting shorter if we hand by hands give what can we give to those who are inneed.
September 13, 2007 at 9:57 am
I FEEL THIS IS ONE OF THE PREFERRED PROGRAMMES TO HELP OTHERS IN LIFE, WELL ALL I AM SAYING IS AFRICA NEEDS MORE HELP ESPECIALLY MY COUNTRY NIGERIA
I NEED YOUR BACKING TO EVEN REACH OUT TO MAKE ANY EVENTS IN THIIS COUNTRY
PHONE…..234-08055251652
THANK YOU
September 13, 2007 at 11:10 am
hi
MY NAME IS BADIAN I,M FROM GHANA,
I,M VERY HAPPY ABOUT YOUR WORK YOU ARE DOING GOOD JOG.
MY COUNTRY NEED YOUR HELP AS THE NEGERIA MAN SAYS.
PLS COME BACK TO AFRICA IN WEST AFRICA OK.
BADIAN NUHU
September 13, 2007 at 11:53 am
Many thanks for your hard work!
I’m a medical student who lives in Netherlands (my parents are from Sri Lanka)
Keep it up!
September 13, 2007 at 1:48 pm
u can make this reall in time help people who face the situation
September 13, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Thank you for all your hard work!!!
September 13, 2007 at 6:53 pm
My Name is Mohammed Habib and I am from India. It is pleasing to see and feel the results of the many efforts and work that is being done. Thanks and appreciation for all who reach out to help people of the world, who look out for the less Privileged, who want to improve the conditons for future generations.
Pleased tp know that there are still numbers of people who have hearts to spread their hands to help other people. But there are more people who still need help. Don’t just stop until this guys. The road is still long. yet, it’s getting shorter if we hand by hands give what can we give to those who are inneed. You are welcome to INDIA. Much more has to be done here to make poverty a history. Thanks again
Habib
September 14, 2007 at 4:32 am
Hei all…
I am Indra and from Indonesia
Just wanna Says Keep Up The Good Work And Thanks Guys
September 14, 2007 at 9:05 am
I AM BE FOLLOWING ONE EVENTS ONLINE OVER THE YEARS NOW . I MUST SAY IT IS A PEOPLE ORIENTED FOCUS AND I WILL APPRECIATE IFAN OFFICE IS ESTABLISH IN MY COUNTRY TO PROVIDE ONLINE MEMEBERS LIKE AN AVENUE IN MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE THAN WE MET IT.
THANKS FOR THE GOOD WORK TO MANKIND.
September 14, 2007 at 9:08 am
AM BE FOLLOWING ONE EVENTS ONLINE OVER THE YEARS NOW . I MUST SAY IT IS A PEOPLE ORIENTED FOCUS AND I WILL APPRECIATE IFAN OFFICE IS ESTABLISH IN MY COUNTRY NIGERIA TO PROVIDE ONLINE MEMEBERS LIKE ME AN AVENUE IN MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE THAN WE MET IT.
THANKS FOR THE GOOD WORK TO MANKIND.
September 14, 2007 at 9:56 am
GREETING FROM THE UNITED YOUTH FOR SUCCESS AND DEVELOPMENT FREETOWN SIERRA LEONE
CONTINUE YOUR GOOD WORK AND ONLY GOD WILL BLESS YOU ALL
FROM
JOSIE KAMARA COLE
DIRECTOR
September 14, 2007 at 9:57 am
GREETING FROM THE UNITED YOUTH FOR SUCCESS AND DEVELOPMENT FREETOWN SIERRA LEONE
CONTINUE YOUR GOOD WORK AND ONLY GOD WILL BLESS YOU ALL IN ONE THE ONE CAMPAIGN TEAM
FROM
JOSIE KAMARA COLE
DIRECTOR
September 14, 2007 at 9:58 am
GREETING FROM THE UNITED YOUTH FOR SUCCESS AND DEVELOPMENT FREETOWN SIERRA LEONE
CONTINUE YOUR GOOD WORK AND ONLY GOD WILL BLESS YOU ALL IN THE ONE CAMPAIGN TEAM
FROM
JOSIE KAMARA COLE
DIRECTOR
September 14, 2007 at 1:44 pm
I have been a member of one.org since i saw your first add on television. I am from the Philippines and if there is anything that I can do to help please let me know. In hope that one day you will also bring ONE to my country.
Keep up the good work. Let us all be united together as ONE in our mission to make poverty history.
September 15, 2007 at 12:53 pm
i want to join your group and more about it I come from Ghana in West Africa.
September 15, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Dear Sir/Madame,
I wonder how do I get information about the people who had already under provert line has been added to another disaster by foolding and landslide for the people of some areas of Nepal.I have toched and talked about the for those people who had lost their property of what has been left to survive has been used for Terrorist fighting bases to fight against the govt forces of Nepal.Please send me the information where to approach suich issues.Thank you,
Regards
Kumud Rimal
Nepal
September 16, 2007 at 2:32 am
Greeting from Arusha Women Legal Aid & Human Rights Centre (AWLAHURIC) ,
Thank for your efforts in making a difference, KEEP IT UP.
Martha Lyimo
ARUSHA – TANZANIA
September 16, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Hi!
I am Artiom,I was one of the One members,I from Rp. of Moldova.Thank you for all your hard work!!! You are THE BEST!!!,Please come in to my country?My country need you help!
I have been very happy but you come in my country Rp.of Moldova.
Thank you!
September 17, 2007 at 8:42 am
HI guys, Great job!
September 17, 2007 at 8:43 am
I am jethro from PRC, can someone give me some suggestions about what to do? Thx
September 17, 2007 at 9:16 pm
i would lik eto thank all of the one members who have made this organization so succesfull
countinue doing a great job
September 18, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Dear
my name is tami, I’m living in Indonesia. ONE made a great job entire the world but I think ONE need to make some activities here. Hope you come to my country. Indonesia need you to be here. Thx fr th attention.
September 19, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Dear
my name is tami, I’m living in Indonesia. ONE made a great job entire the world but I think ONE need to make some activities here. Hope you come to my country. Indonesia need you to be here. Thx fr th attention.
September 19, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Dear
my name is Husen, I’m living in Indonesia. ONE made a great job entire the world but I think ONE need to make some activities here. Hope you come to my country. Indonesia need you to be here. Thx fr th attention.
September 20, 2007 at 2:48 am
My name is David Goo, and I was one of the One members who participated in the meeting with Lincold Diaz-Balart. This was my first time lobbying and it was a great experience, I must say everyone one should do something like this atleast once in their life-time. The way I got involved was by an e-mail I recieved from Joan who is the Regional Field Organizer asking One members for their assistant to sign-up to do lobbying for the month of August. So I decided to participate and the rest is history! =)! I will contact you through e-mail, but one way to try to get involved is by checking local events in the area. Hope that has helped, and we will keep in touch. Have a good one.
September 20, 2007 at 2:52 am
Hai,
Greeting from Papua Barat Legal Aid & Human Rights Centre (AWLAHURIC) ,
Thank for your efforts in making a difference, KEEP IT UP.
David Goo
Papua Barat
September 23, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Please help to release poverty in the world.
November 7, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Greetins from Sacramento, California USA. Imagine a better world, no war , less hunger, less suffering.
November 7, 2007 at 10:17 pm
hi my name is Erlinda Thorpe I’m glad to have been able to help out at the time it come out . KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. thank you.again
E.T.
May 20, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Listen. Do not have an opinion while you listen because frankly, your opinion doesn?t hold much water outside of Your Universe. Just listen. Listen until their brain has been twisted like a dripping towel and what they have to say is all over the floor.