March 6, 2024

Climate Lobby Day 2024 Copy

Thanks to everyone who attended Climate Lobby Day 2024!!! Our ninth annual Climate Lobby Day was our biggest and best yet thanks to our wonderful co-hosts and members that turned out! Read more about this vitally important day below!

Climate Lobby Day 2024!

Climate Lobby Day was a HUGE SUCCESS thanks to all 180+ of you! Thank you for showing up, showing out, and lobbying with the best of them! I know we here at 350 Colorado speak for all of our co-hosts in saying that this Climate Lobby Day was truly one for the books! This impactful day wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you, so from the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Lets make it even better next year!

Important links

2024 Climate Lobby Day Toolkit| SB24-159 Press Conference Video | 2024 Session Bill Tracker

Climate Activists and Co-Hosts pose on the West Steps of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver for Climate Lobby Day, 2024

 

At the heart of every Climate Lobby Day is the belief that one-on-one meetings between constituents and legislators can lead to real change. When you sit down with your elected officials, you’re not just a face in the crowd; you’re a voice for the planet. These interactions offer a unique opportunity for you to leave a lasting impression and for legislators to hear firsthand what matters to their voters.

Press Coverage Thanks To Your Turnout!

Read the whole Colorado Newsline article here!

(Link to the Entire Press Conference Video)

If you have any photos from Climate Lobby Day 2024 we encourage you to post them on social media and tag us @350Colorado and feel free to use the hashtags #ClimateLobbyDay2024 #ClimateActionColorado #CoLeg #CoPolitics

What Happens During Climate Lobby Day?

Climate Lobby Day is the precipice of an eventful week dedicated to climate advocacy. Here’s what you can expect from this action-packed day:

  1. Preparation is Key: Before the actual Lobby Day, you’ll attend a legislative training session. Think of it as Climate Advocacy 101, where you’ll learn how your state legislature operates and the best ways to engage with it. You can even find sessions on YouTube to get a feel for what’s coming or to study on your own time.
  2. Launch Meeting: This virtual gathering at the start of Lobby Week sets the stage. You’ll learn about the key bills and strategies for effective lobbying, ensuring you’re primed and ready for action.
  3. The Gathering: On March 1, 2024, everyone will meet First Baptist Church of Denver (1373 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203) for a final briefing. Here, you’ll join forces with fellow advocates from your district to form your lobbying team.
  4. Meeting Your Legislators: Armed with talking points and support materials, you’ll head to the Capitol, ready to meet with your legislators. If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry! You can schedule a virtual meeting via Zoom.

Get More Into It With the Toolkit

 

For activists who want to go above and beyond, the Lobby Day Toolkit is your secret weapon.

Use it to amplify your advocacy and spread the word about Climate Lobby Day!

Attend Trainings

Come to a legislative training and a hype meeting before Climate Lobby Day. These events will help you feel prepared before meeting with your legislators, especially if it’s your first time doing in-person legislative advocacy.

 

 

 

 

Former Legislator and current 350CO Lobbyist Mike Foote Climate Lobby Day 2024 Pre-Training

Watch the “How to Lobby 101 Training” from Feb. 2024:

The Meetings

Suzanne Plaut and 350CO’s Giselle Herzfeld with Sen. Sonia Jaquez-Lewis at Climate Lobby Day, 2023

 

Lobby groups are the core of Lobby Day. You’ll be paired with fellow constituents to meet with your shared senator and representatives. It’s a team effort – from scheduling meetings to discussing strategies.

If your legislator is hard to pin down, don’t worry! You can catch them in between sessions or chat with their aides. Persistence is key in making sure your voice is heard.

Before the Legislative Appointment

  1. Preparation is Key:
    • Coordinate with your constituent group and schedule a meeting to iron out details.
    • Register promptly to secure a meeting or join another constituent group.
  2. Meeting Request Template:
    • Utilize the provided meeting request template to formalize your appointment request.
  3. Confirm Appointments:
    • Confirm your appointment with legislators a day before the scheduled meeting.
  4. Research Your Legislator:
    • Conduct advance research on your legislator and their stance on relevant bills.
  5. Social Media Engagement:
    • Share your advocacy on social media to create awareness and garner support.

Lobby Day Breakout Session

During the Lobby Day Breakout Session, set clear objectives:

  • Assign bills to cover.
  • Designate a meeting leader, note-taker, and follow-up email sender.

Lobbying Basics

  1. Be Professional:
    • Approach legislators with courtesy and professionalism.
    • Express gratitude for their time or acknowledge their positive actions.
  2. Educate Your Legislators:
    • Be prepared to educate legislators on your issues.
    • If unsure, commit to finding answers and providing follow-up information.
  3. Ask for Support:
    • Clearly ask legislators to support specific bills addressing climate issues.

Sample Lobbying Script

Prepare a concise script covering these main sections. Check out the Lobby Week toolkit for script examples!

  • Quick introduction.
  • Personal story on how issues impact your district.
  • Strong ask for support.

Meeting Notes

During legislative appointments, take detailed notes on:

  • Legislator’s stance on climate issues.
  • Support or opposition to specific bills.
  • Resonant messages and any additional notes.

Follow-Up

Send a follow-up email:

  • Express gratitude.
  • Recap discussed issues and bills.
  • Attach relevant fact sheets.
  • Offer ongoing assistance.

Social Media Guide

Amplify your impact on social media:

  • Share photos or graphics.
  • Include key talking points.
  • Tag legislators and @350colorado.

Get Involved!

Explore additional ways to make an impact:

  • Join committees or local teams.
  • Write letters or op-eds.
  • Testify virtually or attend Town Halls.

Next Steps

Stay engaged throughout the legislative session:

  • Testify remotely or in-person.
  • Track bill status and committee hearings.
  • Register for public testimony.

The Takeaway

Climate Lobby Day is more than just meetings; it’s about building relationships, educating lawmakers, and being an active participant in the democratic process. With the right preparation and a dash of enthusiasm, you can be an influential advocate for our environment.

Ready to make a difference? Dive into the Lobby Week Outreach Toolkit and gear up for an exhilarating journey of advocacy and change! Your planet, your voice—make it count on Climate Lobby Day!

Don’t forget to RSVP for Climate Lobby Day on March 1 as well as the training call happening a few days before.

FacebookTwitter