The Way to the Heart of Your Local Politician
Councillor Pam McConnell, interviewed by Wayne Roberts

Ever worked up the nerve to visit your local city councillor or other politician and found yourself sitting across from them tongue -tied? Or said your spiel on why you need support for your local school program, been ushered out the door and felt like you'd been speaking to a lifelike dummy (albeit one with an affable smile and moveable head). Sure, it's probably their fault, not yours, but are you sure you're being the very best advocate you can be for your program or issue?

Wayne Roberts spoke to Councillor Pam McConnell to get her advice. Toronto food security activists know Councillor McConnell well. An all round progressive voice on council, one of her most recent commitments has been as co-chair of the Food and Hunger Action Committee of Toronto's city council. Who better to answer our questions about what makes an effective advocate? Here's what she said:

"When organizing your advocacy, the first job is to identify your friends, your probables, your possibles, and the people who are opposed. Provide supporters with your basic information, such as media kits and briefing notes for possible speeches. .Don't take their support for granted, but don't overload them. Make sure you take time to get your message through to people who are opposed. If you can't get a face-to-face meeting with the councillor, try the exec assistant, or a phone call, or a letter. But try to concentrate your time on your possibles and probables.

Help them understand your issue as a local issue. Let's say your issue is community gardening. You might bring along a local community gardener, a representative from a local school snack program where the produce from the garden is sometimes used. Bring photographs. You're trying to put a human face, a real story, on an issue.

Let councillors see themselves in the picture so they can see the good that gardens do for the community. Most councillors want to do what's right for their area, but you need to show them how the broad brush of policy applies with specifics.

Because most people are nervous about meeting elected officials face-to-face, your team should sit down together and develop a script. That way, you overcome any fears, and you make sure everyone in the group stays on-message when you're with the councillor.

Think outside the box and be creative. Leave a memory of your visit and discussion. Most councillors' days are long and gruelling. It's always nice to have a pleasant meeting that leaves a nice taste in your mouth. I still remember the lobby group from the Taskforce to Bring Back the Don. They left us with a mug that had their logo on it and a message inside: "our river is in your hands." FoodShare often brings along samples of the food they distribute. I'm definitely not suggesting expensive gifts. Just something that makes the main point stand out, that helps the councillor visualize the problem.