Here’s an idea – use facebook to lobby our state legislators. Just a small number of members can create a wave of action. The 3,147 IEA page fans can produce a tidal wave!
The strategy is simple. Many state legislators have facebook pages. Even Gov. Quinn has one, but his friends list is full. So start by finding your legislator, or any one or more that you’d like to lobby. Click to become their friend. (Of course, if your legislator isn’t on facebook, this won’t work.)
Once you receive your notice that your friend request has been accepted it is time to act. Go back to the legislator’s facebook page and post your message on their wall. For instance, I recently posted on one legislator’s page the message:
“Unless the legislature wants the state to fall off the cliff this summer, it is critical that a fair funding bill such as HB 174 be passed this spring. Now that the legislature has addressed the pension issue, it is time to address the real problem, revenues. I hope you will take the lead in this effort.”
Because I first clicked on the legislator’s “Add a Link” button, I was also able to add a link to a news article by Ralph Martire that explains why an increase in state revenues needs to happen now.
Once posted, the legislator sees the post, all of your friends see the post, and all of the legislator’s friends see the post. If more than one voter posts to that legislator’s page, all the better!
Here are some other cool lobbying ideas that are being tried by members throughout the state:
- Members are attending and asking questions of legislators at town hall meetings. Some meetings are sponsored by the Responsible Budget Coalition. These meetings are listed at www.abetterillinois.com. Check your legislators’ websites for other dates.
- Have pink-slipped members attend these meetings wearing pink shirts.
- Region 38 purchased the billboard pictured with this post.
- A number of regions are organizing legislative breakfasts, luncheons or dinners during the spring recess.
- Associations in the Rockford area have organized or participated in protests with parents and students directed at legislators.
- The Champaign office plans on handing pink slips to their legislators.
- Organize mass phone call campaigns to legislators, keep calling, leaving multiple messages about job losses and program cuts.
- Coordinate local lobbying efforts with your area’s central labor council and other unions including IFT, SEIU and AFSCME.