Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office, Edinburgh - Briefing Document Nine

Email SCPO

Parliamentary Officer:Rev Graham Blount
Phone:
0131 558 8137

Briefing Document No 9 - Page 4 of 4

Making a Difference - Continued.

Getting Advice

If all this sounds intimidating, don't be put off. Parliament wants you to participate and provides good information on its website and through "Partner Libraries" in each constituency - there will be one near you. The Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office exists to enable the churches to make a good contribution to the process and can advise you on how to go about making your point.

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Parliament also has its own internal information service (SPICe), and they will be happy to receive copies of important briefing papers, etc. They will keep them in the Parliamentary Library and may use them in the briefings they prepare for MSPs. Send two copies to Francesca McGrath, SPICe, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP.

Ten Commandments for Lobbying

1. Don't abuse your opponents or demonise them; remember that they want to make a difference too, and many of them are Christians trying to live out their vocation.
2. Don't write the letter that will make you feel good - write the one that will make a difference by persuading someone.
3. Don't be afraid to express your faith and vision - but remember that not everyone will share it.
4. Don't talk about things you don't honestly know about, and don't exaggerate.
5. Don't undermine your own integrity - and that of MSPs - by your tactics, and don't offer MSPs anything which could be seen as a "bribe"
6. If you're speaking on behalf of a group or other body, make sure you have the proper authority.
7. Get in touch with others who might be allies.
8. Remember that a few words at the right time will be more effective than too many words mistimed.
9. Don't let criticism be your only contact with your MSP(s), or only get in touch with you want something; good relationships bear fruit.
10.Pray for the people you are contacting, and for others involved in decision-making on the issue.

And remember … please let SCPO know what you are doing!