Write and Pass a Resolution

1. Draft Resolution:

Meet with your resolution sponsor to draft a resolution. The mayor and council members should review the draft in ongoing negotiations to create a document everyone can support.

Tools:

Sample Resolution
Download
Web Page

2. Lobbying Efforts

Make sure each Councilor is contacted by a committee member.

Send postcards, emails, and press releases asking community members to call their Councilors. Urge them to also attend the Council meeting when the resolution will be voted on and to speak in favor of the resolution in the "public comment" period. (Don't overlook high school and college students as speakers!) Make previous arrangements with potential speakers to offer the perspectives of diverse community members.

Be prepared for possible opposition. The most effective way to counter the opposition is to know your facts and to feel confident in your position. Check out the text of the bill in the 'Tools' section. The Local Community Radio Act received 100 co-sponsors in the the House in the 110^th Congress. Focus on and familiarize yourself with the legislation that has the greatest impact on your community. Remember your audience when debating with the opposition.

Tools:

Contact expandlpfm@prometheusradio.org to have campaign postcards mailed to you.

Text of Bill at OpenCongress: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h2802/text<

List of Co-Sponsors at OpenCongress: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h2802/show=

3.Demonstration of Community Support:

Gather all the completed petitions. Deliver the signed petitions at the Council meeting. It's effective if you have a significant number of signatures.

4. PR

After your council's vote, send out a press release to local and national media outlets to inform your community and other communities of your success. Name your group as a resource for those trying to pass a resolution.