5 tips on how to engage your MP after the change in Government
There’s been a lot to process over the past few weeks. We know that many of you have been working through what the formation of the new government might mean for your organisation, and specifically what it might mean for various funding programmes delivered by Central Government agencies.
Change can be very challenging, but it also creates a great opportunity for you to engage with your electorate MP and local list MPs. Now’s a great time to let them know about the work you do, share your compelling case and talk about the impact your work has in your community.
We hear a lot about the ‘first 100 days’ of a new government, which can be a great time to get in front of decision makers whilst they are settling into their roles. Whilst it may seem like MP’s spend a lot of time in Wellington, they usually return to their electorates when parliament isn’t sitting. You can check the parliament calendar to find out when they are likely to be available.
Face-to-face communication is always the best way to get your story across, so call your local MP’s office to ask for a meeting. Turning up in person and making a connection is so much more powerful than an email. As with all your fundraising, we advocate for building authentic and enduring relationships, so make sure that once you’ve established the connection, you keep in touch. Invite MP’s to come and experience your work, and share the good-news stories with them as well as your challenges.
Use the power of your vote- if you voted for your local MP, let them know that you’ve given them your support, and you would like to see them support you in return. If you didn’t vote for them, then let them know that too – and share what policies you’d like to see change, and why that would make an impact for the work that you do.
If you’d like some help with planning engagement with your MP’s, contact your funding coach and we can work with you to make a plan. Keep us in the loop with how any conversations with your MP’s go- we’re always keen to hear from our members.