NZ Single Parents Trust

With the latest ‘No Smacking Bill’ that has only last week passed it’s second reading which was introduced by Green Party MP Sue Bradford there has been a lot of debate, protest and lobbying for and against a law to condemn parents who smack their children for discipline.

MP Sue Bradford has done a lot for low income earners over the years and her party was against the drug “P” from becoming a class ‘A’ drug. However this time she has put a bill forward on behalf of Labour so that Labour can vote as a block instead of a conscience vote which basically means Labour does not want to give individual MPs a single vote but one as a whole for an agenda of theirs.

Anyhow it seems that 80% of parents do not want this bill which questions whether we have a democracy in New Zealand and whether voters being New Zealand citizens or such get a say in anything at all when it comes to running this country.

So, I am going to show you how you can have a say on this issue and any others you may wish to contribute to.

HOW TO LOBBY

1. KNOW YOUR STUFF

Use sites that have information you need or search for information through www.google.co.nz. You can lobby best when you know what you are talking about and are confident with that knowledge. The best lobbying is a mix of personal experiences which is backed by facts and figures to show that your experiences are not unique but part of the general picture.

2. BE CLEAR ABOUT THE LIKELY SOLUTION (OR AT LEAST THE NEED FOR ONE!)

To start with it is enough to say there is a problem and to be clear about what it is and the fact that we care enough about it to want it fixed. Later, when we have established the need for change, identifying the problem is not very helpful if we all have a different idea on what is needed to fix it. The art of good lobbying is to have a lot of people saying they want the same general solution and telling the politicians and the media what it is. As the campaigns for legislation gets going, we will develop some key lobbying points. It is best if you use these key themes in the lobbying you do.
Use the information in conversation with others, to help in preparing questions for your local Member of Parliament, as ammunition in letters to the local paper or as part of your talkback information.

3. TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES

Amongst friends and family
At meetings and groups you attend
On Radio Talk back

remember;

one or two key points or
the most important issue for you and

make sure you get this point or issue across…

4. WORK WITH OTHERS

As you talk, you will find others who share your concern. Sometimes these are groups of people -like your workmates, your union or your local Community group. Work with others, where possible. This makes lobbying more fun and increases the effectiveness of what you do. If, however, you find that you are on your own, go for it anyway. One person can make a huge difference and we are always here as your online support .

5. WRITE LETTERS

To newspapers, magazines,newsletters
To your local MP
To Government Ministers
To the Families Commission
To the Human Right’s Commission
To the Children’s commission

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 25th, 2007 at 1:06 am and is filed under Children, Legal Information, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.