Does everyone on GAG from the U. S. know about citizen lobbying?

[whirled_up_girl]

I'm not talking about just plain lobbying that we all hear about with professional lobbyists working for a business or special interest group. I'm talking about citizen lobbying, where everyday citizens in the U. S. meet with their legislators to influence a change in the laws. I learned quite a bit about the process in my nursing program. I saw firsthand changes that happened in my state's laws because of citizen lobbying and not just related to nursing or the healthcare profession.

I'm tempted to eventually do a mytake about the power American citizens have in the legislative process beyond voting which would include citizen lobbying and citizen-led initiatives.

Yes, I know about citizen lobbying.

No, I don't know about citizen lobbying, but I would like to learn more.

Don't know, don't care.

Something else.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

No, I don't know about U. S. citizen lobbying.

[exitseven]

I have talked to my state legislator about certain issues. He was in agreement with me excepth he ia Republican in a very democrat state and he does not have much influence.

[whirled_up_girl]

@exitseven Yeah that can be barrier. I met with a republican state legislator about something in a blue state but I was able to influence change because it primarily affected his district which I lived in at the time. If if it would have affected more things on a statewide level I might not have been effective. However, there are some issues that both sides can sometimes agree on and that's when sometimes citizen lobbying and citizen- led initiatives like constitutional amendments can make major changes.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[Lliam]

I admit that I don't know much about it. I think a MyTake would be very informative.
Please invite me if you write one. I want to learn more. :-)

[msc545]

I think the talking to politicians is probably a waste of time. They will say or do anything to get your agreement when they are running for office. After that, unless you are giving them money They don't want anything to do with you.

[whirled_up_girl]

@msc545 That’s one to look at it but I’ve seen changes happen by people talking to legislators. Some of them really do run for office to be a public servant. It might be hit and miss some of the time but I’ve seen first hand how it can make difference.

[msc545]

Is this in the US?

[whirled_up_girl]

Yes, I went to my state capital met with a state representative of my district and was able to help influence a change in the law that was affecting my district though I know of other who influenced yes or no votes on bills.

[msc545]

I am in California. My so-called "representatives" don't talk to anyone they supposedly represent unless they have a ton of money.

[whirled_up_girl]

They are supposed to let you talk to your legislators it’s like some kind right we have as citizens from what I learned but some legislature websites direct members of the public through that process better than others.