Members’ Toolkit

Meeting Your Local Oireachtas members

About the Toolkit

Welcome to your Resource Toolkit for Effective Lobbying of Oireachtas Members!

It’s designed to give you the knowledge and tools you need to effectively engage with your local TDs. You’ll find:

Forging a local connection with politicians is crucial. By helping them understand the value of youth work through first-hand experiences in their communities, we can ensure they see the relevance of local initiatives in shaping national policy. Your efforts in linking local youth work with community impact will play a vital role in influencing policy discussions and decisions at the national level.

Steps to Meet New Local Oireachtas members

  1. Research and Preparation

  • Identify your TDs: Using this sheet, you can filter to find TDs by your constituency.
  • Gather Information: Find out if they are a spokesperson for their party, or what Oireachtas Committees they are on. Find out if there is a relevant Minister in their party (eg Education and Youth, Finance, Public Expenditure).
  • Prepare Materials: Have success stories or your own materials ready to share.

 

  1. Initial Outreach

  • Formal Introduction Letter: Send a personalised letter or email introducing your organisation and requesting a meeting or offer them the opportunity to visit your service and do a “meet and greet”. Use the template provided and edit accordingly.
  • Phone Call: Follow up with a phone call to their constituency office to reiterate your request and schedule a meeting.

 

  1. Leverage Networks

  • Community Connections: Use existing relationships with other organisations to facilitate introductions.
  • Events and Forums: Attend public events, or community meetings where Oireachtas members are present to introduce yourself informally.

Tips for Effective Outreach

  1. Personalise Your Approach

  • Tailor Your Message: Customise your communication to highlight how your organisation’s work aligns with their constituency work and is relevant to their role.
  • Be Specific: Clearly state what you are asking for, whether it’s a meeting, an invite to the service, support for a specific initiative, or attendance at an event.

 

  1. Showcase Impact

  • Success Stories: Share compelling stories of how your organisation has positively impacted young people in the community.
  • Data and Evidence: Use any data or local information to back up and demonstrate the effectiveness of your service, and importance for the local community.

 

  1. Engage Through Multiple Channels

  • Social Media: Tag Oireachtas members in posts showcasing your work and invite them to events.
  • Newsletters: Include Oireachtas members in your mailing list to keep them updated on your activities and achievements.

 

  1. Build Relationships

  • Regular Updates: Keep in touch by sending regular updates about your organisation’s progress and upcoming events. Don’t just wait until a lobbying event/activity to keep in touch with them!
  • Invite to Events: Invite them to visit your service, attend events, or participate in activities.

 

  1. Follow-Up

  • Thank You Notes: Send thank you notes after meetings or significant engagements.

Youth Work and the Oireachtas: NYCI Members’ Summary Briefing Document

This document is for NYCI members lobbying Oireachtas members. It provides practical steps for Oireachtas members to engage with NYCI and support youth work at both national and local levels.

Download now

Template Letter

Dear Deputy X,

I am writing to you on behalf of [Your Organisation], a local youth work organisation dedicated to [briefly describe your mission]. Our work has positively impacted the lives of many young people in our community by [provide specific examples or data].

Youth work plays a crucial role in fostering the development and well-being of young people in our community. By providing safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities for personal growth, youth work helps to build resilient, confident, and engaged citizens.

We invite you to visit our service to witness firsthand the positive impact we have on the lives of young people. Your visit will offer valuable insights into the challenges and successes of youth work, informing your efforts in the Oireachtas to support and enhance youth work.

We believe that with your support, we can further enhance our programmes and reach even more young people.

If you would be interested in coming to meet us and local young people, and to discuss how we can work together to support youth work in our community, you can get in touch [contact details/ways you can arrange a visit/dates and times that ye meet etc]

Thank you for your time and consideration and best of luck in this new Oireachtas term

 

Best wishes,