Government Relations: GROW - Government Advocacy
PMA Grassroots Employer Toolkit - Tips for Communicating with Candidates
During an election campaign, candidates spend a great deal of money asking candidates to vote for them. Clearly, your vote has value and you should use it to ensure that people who understand produce-related issues are voted into office. The best way to learn of candidate views on an issue is quite simply to ask!
Folowing are a few tips on approaching candidates as well as some draft questions. These resources should be shared with any employees willing to participate in discussions with candidates.
Communication Tips
- Be specific about what you want: Asking candidates if they like fresh fruits and vegetables is rarely as effective as asking them if they will support continued funding to bring fresh fruits and vegetables into schools. The first question is an easy "yes", the second commits them to a specific policy action.
- Don't be surprised if you have to educate them: Because very few candidates have any familiarity with the produce industry, they may be completely unaware of the challenges you face. Use this as an opportunity to bring them up to speed on the intricacies of your business as well as current policy issues impacting what you can get done.
- Provide candidates with detailed information about the business: Some candidates will have no idea how many people you employ, how many clients you serve, or what the concrete economic impact of your company is on the district they are seeking to represent. Be sure to provide them with as much information about your positive impact on the community as your can.
- Invite candidates to address the companies employees: Whether it's an all staff meeting or a board meeting, most candidates will (or should) jump at the chance to connect with leading businesses in the district they hope to represent. If your company is on the smaller side, connect with your clients or other like-minded businesses in the community to bring candidates in.
Sample Questions
If you are unsure what should be asked, following are some draft questions. These questions can also be forwarded to employees who have expressed an interest in participating in a discussion with candidates. While you certainly don't want to put words in the mouths of employees, the following samples may be helpful to inspire questions of their own.
- Will you support increased funding for produce-friendly programs during the reauthorization of the Farm Bill?
- Do you support more funding for fresh fruits and vegetable in schools?
- Do you support changes to the U.S. guest worker program that will enhance our ability to meet our labor needs?
- Do you feel that the produce industry has had a positive impact in our community?
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