Template: Formal Political Engagement Strategy

Government Structure Analysis

Issue I’m focusing on: _________________________________ Level(s) of government with authority: ☐ Local ☐ Regional/State ☐ National ☐ International

Specific departments/agencies responsible: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________

Decision-making process for this issue: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Key dates in the political calendar relevant to this issue: - Budget cycle: _________________________________ - Legislative session: ___________________________ - Election dates: _______________________________ - Public consultation periods: ___________________

Elected Official Engagement Plan

Target elected officials:

Specific requests/asks: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________

Meeting preparation: - Key points to communicate: _________________ - Supporting materials to bring: ______________ - Personal stories to share: _________________ - Questions to ask: _________________________

Follow-up plan: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Public Servant Interaction Strategy

Key public servants with responsibility for my issue:

Regulations and procedures guiding their work: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Documentation to prepare: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Tracking system for interactions and commitments: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Public Consultation Participation

Upcoming consultations relevant to my issue: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________

Format and rules for participation: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Key points to communicate: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________

Written submission outline: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Strategic questions to highlight important issues: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________

Legislation/Policy Tracking

Bills or policies to monitor:

Online tools I’ll use for tracking: _________________________________________________

Key stakeholders with influence at different stages: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Coalition Building for Political Influence

Potential allies on this issue: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________

Coordination approach: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Communication Strategy

Key messages for political engagement: 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________

Supporting data and evidence: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Personal stories that illustrate the issue: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Balance of Tactics

Inside strategy (working within system): _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Outside strategy (creating external pressure): _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Evaluation Metrics

How I’ll measure the effectiveness of my engagement: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Reflection Questions

• Am I engaging at the most effective levels of government?
• Am I balancing inside access and outside pressure?
• Is my approach building long-term influence?
• How does formal engagement complement other civic strategies?

Remember: Engaging with formal political processes isn’t about becoming a political insider—it’s about ensuring that these systems serve the public they’re meant to represent. Your informed, strategic participation helps hold these institutions accountable to their democratic purpose.