WHAT MAKES A GOOD PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATE ?

Many organizations interested in government relations frequently ask “What makes a good Public Policy Advocate and how will I know one when I see one?” For an organization it is important to hire a Public Policy Advocate who establishes a strong relationship with the organization, its members and who works hard to understand the organization’s issues and concerns. Here are some other things to consider:

1. A good Public Policy Advocate knows the legislative process. To succeed, a Public Policy Advocate must know the intricacies of the legislative system and what is the best way to work within that system.
2. A good Public Policy Advocate knows the people involved. It is equally important to know MEPs and key staff people. A good Public Policy Advocate works hard at building good relationships with MEPs and staff. However, they are also aware of who the MEPs are, even if they don’t know them, the committees they serve on, the communities they represent, and their major areas of work and interest.
3. A good Public Policy Advocate is involved early and continuously. Issues don’t start happening the day the plenary session convenes; most of the important work is done many months ahead.
4. A good Public Policy Advocate knows their issues and is prepared. Thorough knowledge of your issues is essential. A good Public Policy Advocate understands the issues and is able to communicate in terms important to legislators.
5. A good Public Policy Advocate knows how to communicate briefly and effectively.
6. A good Public Policy Advocate is honest. A good Public Policy Advocate is willing to say “I don’t know, I’ll get back to you” when they don’t know the answer to a question. It’s always better to wait and give accurate information rather than give a legislator bad information.
7. A good Public Policy Advocate respects the system. A good Public Policy Advocate  understands the process but also understands and believes in the unique and sometimes strange way the EU decision-making process works.
8. A good Public Policy Advocate doesn’t look for ‘quick fixes’. They understand it may take some time to bring about change. Hard, patient and involved work pays handsome returns over the long haul.
9. A good Public Policy Advocate understands the term ‘reality’. Issues that sound good to some may simply not sound as good to those who legislate, so the issue will take considerable time and strategy to “sell” at the EU level..

 How to work with a Public Policy Advocate

• Understand that they are not miracle workers. While Public Policy Advocates can help make the process smooth, they can't walk on water.
• Be reasonable. Understand that they have other clients and that they have lives. Try to be low-maintenance. This is especially true if you are 'borrowing' their services from another group.
• Listen. They were hired for their expertise, so take their advice seriously. They want you to succeed. You are paying for good advice, take it.
• Be open. Let them know that you want (and can handle honesty). Too may people do not want to hear the truth and are puzzled by surprises when their Public Policy Advocates tried to warn them.
• Communicate. Let them know what you know. Fully explain the issue so they can answer questions. If you get a call from a policymaker, a notice about your issue, a new study is published, something important is hapening, or anything that seems relevant, make sure that your Public Policy Advocate knows about it. They can't represent you well if they don't have all the pieces.
• Do not ask for personal favours outside the scope of your work.
• Be available. If your Public Policy Advocate calls and says it is a critical stage and you need to come to Brussels to meet with a Member of the European Parliament who is wavering- Go. If they need a quick fact sheet to address a misconception about your issue-Write it.
• Your Public Policy Advocate wants you to succeed. Support and trust him or her, so they can help you.