Grassroots networks
are devoted to increasing political participation. They focus on
organizing groups of people sharing similar views on political and social
issues facing their community. Building an effective grassroots
network is not accomplished overnight, as some companies may wish when a
problem arises.
During the last two decades,
attitudes toward participation in government have begun to change.
Increasingly, citizens working in groups, in both the public and private
sectors, have chosen to participate in grassroots programs. In ever
greater numbers, they are included in the making of public policy, the
conduct of government and the process of politics.
As a result of this activity, a
paradigm shift is inevitable. Campaign finance, and in some cases
lobbying reform, promises to alter the way business is conducted in
Washington and in the State Capitals.
How well you and your
organization are prepared to perform under the new paradigm will determine
success in advancing your political and public policy agenda. For
corporate America, it means a significant rethinking of strategies and
even the tools used to pursue the particular policy interest. For
the individual, this shift means there is a greater opportunity for their
voices to be heard in Washington and in the State Capitals.
There are several different types
of grassroots programs for organizations to use. One example is what
we call a general grassroots program, which is open to all eligible
employees within your business or organization. The members of the
grassroots team are trained in methods of communication by the
company. They are taught what to do during a grassroots activation
and mobilization exercise. Often the volunteers are recognized by
the company for contributing to the grassroots program.
The second grassroots program is
called a key contact grassroots program. This is a program whereby
certain key employees, ideally as part of their formal yearly appraisal
system, have as one of their goals to establish, grow or maintain a
relationship with a key member of the state legislature or Congress.
Remember the earlier suggestion, all politics are local; therefore, it is
better if the employee lives in the legislator’s district or is very
good friends with a particular legislator.
A company may also choose to
establish a vendor or supplier grassroots program. This program
would be responsible for getting your suppliers to activate their own
grassroots network to bring even more public pressure or attention to your
problem.
We at The Trammell Group can help
you establish and grow your grassroots network.
