What policy asks do we want them to commit to?
As per the vote commitment petition you’ve been collecting signatures on in your electorate or on the phone, constituents are committing to only vote for a party who will:
We are asking MPs and candidates their position on these key policy asks and asking them to move their parties towards them. At election time, we will be sharing a scorecard comparing how the parties stack up on these asks, so if the MP’s party doesn’t have good policies yet, the MP or candidate will need to DO something to shift their party.
What are we asking them to DO?
Often, an MP will privately agree with you on what needs to be done, or say that those asks are not possible for them to achieve on their own, or they may personally agree with us, but their party’s position is different. We need to let MPs and candidates know that we’ll be talking to voters in their electorates about their parties’ position, so they’ll need to take action to get their party to shift!
Here’s what you can ask them to actually do:
Remember that our power is in numbers. While you are welcome to focus on the issue or impact that most motivates you during the meeting, this tactic will be most effective if the demands of all MPs are the same.
Keen for more detail on how a party’s policy could achieve these things? Check out our National Agenda.
Be nice
Politicians are people too. Always be polite, professional and courteous. Arrive on time, with time to sign in at reception and gather your thoughts. If relevant, acknowledge any support they have given to your issue in the past. Try to connect with your MP by sharing the reasons you really care about this issue – they may have a story to share too. No matter how outrageous the decision a government has taken or their attitude towards the people who are campaigning against them, you are never going to influence someone by being abusive or impolite. Be professional, courteous and determined – rather than making it personal.
Pics or it didn’t happen
Ask your MP for a photo together to share afterwards! Ideally, someone in the photo will be holding a climate election poster in the picture. If your MP will not take a photo with you, be sure to take one with the group outside the office with clear signage in the background.