Grassroots efforts can influence energy policies
As Director of Government Relations for the Colorado Rural Electric Association, Taylor Ward keeps tabs on proposed legislation affecting the state’s electric co-ops — issues that can impact utility rates and reliability, how electricity is generated, and how utilities operate. Ward lobbies lawmakers daily on behalf of CREA’s 21 member co-ops.
And while it’s his job to try to influence policymakers, what’s most impactful for swaying public policy is for lawmakers to hear the voices of their constituents — to hear real-life stories of how public policy impacts their lives, Ward says.
“It’s important to amplify local voices through grassroots advocacy,” Ward says. Electric co-op members are encouraged to share their opinions by voting, sending emails, attending public meetings and town halls, writing letters to the editor of their local media, and organizing or joining campaigns of policymakers who support electric co-ops.
In Ward’s experience, grassroots advocacy transforms the collective power of electric co-op members into meaningful action. “When members engage in advocacy, they help shape policies that directly impact their lives, ensuring their voices are not just heard but acted upon,” he says. “By incorporating advocacy into their routines, co-op members can build stronger, more resilient communities and safeguard their energy future.”
The key to swaying public policy is staying informed, Ward notes. Maintaining contact with your local electric co-op, connecting with its board of directors, and reading Colorado Country Life magazine can all help consumers be aware of issues that can affect energy policy.
Morgan County Rural Electric Association makes it easy for its members to get involved by offering a grassroots network signup on its website. When an important issue arises affecting co-ops, the Fort Morgan-based co-op sends a notice to those who sign up for the grassroots network, asking for its members to write letters or make phone calls to their legislator. Members are provided with tips and tricks on how to most effectively communicate their position — whether it be a drafted letter that can be personalized or talking points for in-person conversations.
“We enlist those members in the network to be involved — especially when there is potential energy legislation that we know could impact their life,” says Morgan County REA Director of Communications Maddie Pollart.
As CREA Director of Government Relations, Ward represents 21 electric co-ops — that equals 1.5 million customers spread out over roughly 70% of Colorado’s land mass. However, when individual co-op members engage in grassroots advocacy, awareness builds and Ward’s voice at the state capitol is amplified, which can help influence energy policy, he says.
“Co-op members are the driving force behind our advocacy efforts,” he says. “Their active participation ensures that policymakers understand the real-world impact of the decisions they make for our communities.”
Tips for Contacting Legislators
Ward and CREA offer these tips for communicating with your legislators.
Dos
1. Be Respectful and Professional
- Always address legislators and staffers formally unless invited to use first names.
- Demonstrate appreciation for their time and consideration.
2. Be Clear and Concise
- Stick to the main points of your message. Use facts, personal anecdotes, or statistics relevant to the issue you’re advocating.
- Showing how a policy is personal to you and to the lawmaker’s district is the most impactful way to persuade a lawmaker.
- Have a well-defined “ask” (for example, asking them to vote for or against a bill).
3. Stay on Message
- Make your position clear and explain how it impacts you, your business, or your community.
4. Do Your Homework
- To the extent you can, understand the legislator’s district, priorities, and even committee assignments. Tailor your message to show how your issues align with their interests.
5. Build Relationships
- Foster rapport with lawmakers and their staff. Trust and goodwill often lead to long-term advocacy success.
- Visit with the representative at town halls or whenever you bump into them in the community.
6. Respect Their Schedule
- Be punctual and understand if they cut your meeting short. Legislators juggle many responsibilities.
7. Follow Up
- Send a thank you email reiterating key points from your conversation.
Don’ts
1. Don’t Assume They Know Your Issue
- Avoid using jargon or assuming a legislator understands energy policy specifics.
2. Don’t Be Confrontational
- Stay calm and constructive.
- Avoid argumentative tones, even if the legislator opposes your position or you oppose their position.
3. Don’t Criticize Other Lawmakers
- Avoid speaking negatively about other legislators or parties, as it can detract from your issues.
4. Don’t Guess
- Don’t guess answers to questions you don’t know the answer to. The response, “I don’t know, but I will get back to you,” is always acceptable.
5. Don’t Forget to Say Thank You
- Never leave a conversation without expressing gratitude for their time, consideration, and service as a legislator.
Sharon Sullivan is an award-winning Grand Junction-based journalist. Her work has appeared in Colorado Newsline, The Colorado Sun, The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, Cornerpost.org, and other publications.