2. toP ten tiPs for lobbying your MP

cafod.org.uk/mpc

1. Know when to loBBy

at key decision-making points It’s easier to influence the government and overseas institutions before they make a policy decision rather than after it. CAFOD will send request letters or emails to you at key moments to ensure your action has maximum impact.

at publicity peaks Politicians are more interested in issues when media coverage is at its greatest and when people are most engaged. If you act on issues before or during these periods you are more likely to get their attention.

Before an election MPs really feel the heat where it hurts – the ballot box. Look out for by-elections, local elections, and European elections, as well as general elections. MPs, whatever their party, will be more receptive to any issues that secure them votes.

2. learn aBout your mp

If you have time, it’s worth finding one or two things out about your MP so you can tailor your argument and anticipate their response:

• Which party are they part of?

• Do they hold any position in government or the shadow front bench?

• What speeches have they made?

• What causes do they support?

“Letters and meetings with your MP do have an impact. As MPs we’re here to represent you, we can listen to your concerns and take them right to the top.”David Burrowes, MP for Enfield, Southgate

• What are their interests outside parliament?

• Are they Catholic or another denomination?

• What are their views on international development?

• Have they attended local or parish events before?

• Have they signed local petitions?

Find out more about your MP at www.theyworkforyou.com

3. Bring the issue alive

Strong stats and analysis help. CAFOD will give you examples when we write to you with a request. We’ll also send you briefings on an issue. You may find it easiest to simply forward these briefings straight to your MP. As MPs won’t always have time to read the whole thing, highlight a few key points. It also doesn’t hurt to attach a post-it note to the briefing saying, “read this bit.”

connecting the poor to the powerful

politicians are more interested in issues when media coverage is at its greatest.

PHOTO CREDIT: JESS HURD/reportdigital.co.uk

4. talK aBout real people in real countries

This reminds your MP that they can take action – either directly to indirectly – to put a stop to the suffering of others, and through their policies, help pave the way from poverty to prosperity. We’ll send you stories you can use to back up your argument in your regular mailings from us.

5. use the church’s teachings

That is, quotations from the scriptures, Papal statements, or the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. This is a powerful and specific contribution you can make as a CAFOD supporter.

6. rehearse your top three points

Preparing your argument helps a lot. Whether it’s practising in front of the mirror, talking with a friend or debating with a relative, understanding what you’ll say and how you’ll say it can make all the difference.

7. Don’t worry if you Don’t Know

If your MP asks a question that you don’t know the answer to, don’t be afraid to say so. You only need to express your beliefs, they don’t expect you to be an expert! You can always contact the campaigns team for extra info at campaigns@cafod.org.uk or call 020 7095 5692.

8. follow up

Make sure your MP gets copies of relevant press stories (particularly from the local press) or reports on the issue, especially if the situation changes. You can find updates on our website www.cafod.org.uk

9. Be patient

MPs can take time to respond, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait. If you think you’re not getting anywhere, a reminder never hurts.

10. tell the campaigns team!

We want to know if you lobby your MP. If your MP responds or takes action, please tell us. Fill in the postcard you receive in every mailing or let us know online how you tried to make a difference. It means we can track MPs’ positions and target them better.

connecting the poor to the powerful

CAFOD is the official overseas development and relief agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Registered Charity No. 285776

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Adapting to a changing climate

in Bangladesh

“We were badly affected by Cyclone S

idr

when it hit” says 14-year-old Parv

in

Akhter. “My mother couldn’t afford

what

I needed for school, so I had to s

top

my studies”. The future looked blea

k

when, two years later, disaster str

uck

again with Cyclone Aila. CAFOD’s par

tner

Prodipan in Bangladesh helped Parv

in

and her family by providing Parvin

with training in tailoring. She no

w

has a small tailoring business whi

ch

is flourishing. “Before the tailori

ng

business, we spent days without a me

al,”

admits Parvin’s mother, Fatima.

“But the money Parvin made meant

we could rebuild this house and ea

t

every day.”

PHOTO CREDIT: SIMON RAWLES