Lobbyists

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Lobbyists are one of the most important players both in real world politics and at the Youth Legislature. During the "real" Montana Legislative session, there are 150 elected Legislators, but OVER 800 Lobbyists!

In the Montana YMCA Youth and Government Program, ANYONE can sign up to be a lobbyist. Lobbyists have some special privileges that make the job especially worthwhile:

  1. Only lobbyists are eligible to move up into Legislative seats if there is a no-show in one's delegation. (The delegation advisor has the authority to decide which lobbyists can move up to take a vacant legislative seat.)
  2. Only lobbyists are eligible to apply for positions on the Governor's Cabinet.
  3. Only lobbyists may use our Internet connection for research during the session.

Here are a few of the things you can do:

  1. Write up a one page position paper on an issue you care about (required).
  2. Testify in committees (required).
  3. Create a lobbying plan when you arrive at the session (required).
  4. Write up fact sheets to give legislators so they can promote your ideas on the floor.
  5. Write a short editorial for the newspaper promoting your positions (required).
  6. Note legislators who support you; help them out by feeding them facts & good arguments they can use.
  7. Be the legs of your legislator friends; let them know who else supports your mutual goals and help form coalitions.

You probably will use Lobbying skills sometime in your adult life! This is a job with a real career track! So, sign up to be a lobbyist!

For more information on the lobbyist program,
Click here to go to our Lobbyist Guide.
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