How to counter arguments from like minded orgs
D C
634 Posts

cross posting from private forum

https://community.citizensclimate.org/groups/discuss/viewtopic/1767/1798/42434

Hi all,

I'm catching the end of the GL call from Sept 9, and Liaison call 10/27, I have some ideas for a question at the end of the hour:

How do we talk to MoCs who are listening to other groups that oppose bills that CCL supports, without bad-mouthing those other groups?

Answer: Not entirely magic enough, but ~ lean into our CCL training!

Here's what it says under the section for
Lobbying 301 : Handling Difficult Lobbying Scenarios

> Push-back from Like-Minded orgs

How should we handle this situation?

  • Show appreciation for the important work they have done on this issue.
  • Acknowledge that we share a common goal and acknowledge the worthiness of their plan or ideas.

I am definitely grateful for all the hard work other orgs have done, and I make it a point to lift them up, especially our allies. IMHO, it's extremely important that we do not dismiss (even non-verbally!) someone that the MoC finds credible. That would only hurt our own credibility in their eyes.

Here's how I would apply the Motivational Interviewing training to Sarah's MoC situation:

Reflective Listening

“It sounds like one of the things you care about is X
[ie: concerned about is watering down the National Environmental Policy Act]
Is that accurate?”

Affirmation / Common Ground

“That's a bedrock policy that I care about too.”

(back to Handling Difficult Lobbying Scenarios > Overcoming Objections > Step 4. )

Ask for permission to proceed

“I was also concerned about rollbacks, and then I dove deeper into the policy and learned things that reassured me. Can I share with you what I've learned and their sources?”

You never have to even mention the opposing organizations. But this does require you to do your homework and come prepared or assign a volunteer team to help you prepare fully. Luckily Congressional debates on the policy are recorded and transcribed for your MoC, Sarah.

Of course, this is all way easier in theory than in a lobby situation! If I wasn't prepared to return with sources to back me up, I'd fall back on 'learning more' and being curious.

I'd still do the reflective listening and affirmation above. Then I'd ask things like :

“Sorry I don't have the finer details of this policy at my fingertips – I'm a volunteer! So I'll need to dive deeper into your concerns. Would you mind sharing the source of that information so I can study it?”

Then,

“After we review these materials, if we find new information that may be of interest to you, would you be open to that?”

then

“What sources do you trust, or, how do you determine what sources you trust and distrust?”

Hope this helps!

(Also, I think it's time for a CCU refresher on Motivational Interviewing!)

With gratitude,

Debbie

2 Replies
D C
634 Posts

tagging @Micah Nishigaki as promised. ^ see above

Rob Johnson
365 Posts

@D C
I lobby Republicans, so that makes me exempt from this problem 😄

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