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•Bird-dogging is a tactic activists use to demand answers from politicians on issues they care about in a public setting. •Simply put, bird-dogging involves attending a public event and asking politicians questions.•This tactic can help bring media attention to your issue and inspire elected officials to commit to new policies.

Follow these steps to become a successful bird-dogger:

•You can learn about upcoming events by getting on the party or candidate’s email lists. •During campaign season, call the campaign office and ask for a copy of the candidate’s appearance schedule.•Once you find an event, ask the organizer for details—when the doors open, if you need tickets, and if there is a question period.

•Bringing along a few friends who share in your cause and are willing to ask questions will strengthen not only your efforts, but also your confidence. •The more people there that are representing your cause, the more likely it is that at least one of your questions will get answered and you will succeed in gaining commitment from the candidate.

Write your questions in advance! Here’s how:1.Make it personal by sharing your own story—what has inspired you to take on this cause?2.Make a clear ask—if you have identified a problem, what is the solution and how can this person enact change? 3.Make it easy for them to say yes—it is a simple, moral obligation. Practice your questions with a friend who will act as the politician or a devil’s advocate.

•If you are in a group, spread out—do not all sit together. •Arrive early so you can try to get a seat near the front. •As soon as you have the opportunity, raise your hand to ask a question!

•Candidates often walk through the crowd giving handshakes, and sometimesthere is even a formal line to do so. This provides additional opportunity to engage in conversation, so get in line!•When you shake hands, ask your question and don’t let go until you get your answer. You’ll only have a few seconds, so make it quick and to the point. If you have the chance, get a picture or an autograph to spend more time talking with this politician.

•After the event, talk to the press to get them to cover your questions and the politician’s statements. •Prepare your messaging ahead of time. •Have different people in your group talk with different people in the media. •Keep your messaging on target and no matter what a reporter asks you, redirect it to your specific cause.

•Bird-dogging is not about attacking or embarrassing an elected official or candidate. You will not make you or your cause look good if you do that. Be sensitive in choosing where and when to bird-dog, and always remain respectful. •Before asking anything of a politician, make sure you research his or her stance on the issue.•All that being said, elected officials work for us, and it is our responsibility to ask for the change we want.

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