Delegation Resource Manual: The Lobbyists Dimension
Page 91
YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
CHAPTER 8: The Lobbyist Dimension
Qualifications and Responsibilities
According to Webster's New World Dictionary, a lobbyist is: "A person, acting for a special interest
group, who tries to influence the introduction of or voting on legislation or the decisions of
government administrators."
Qualifications
As implied by the definition, a lobbyist must have a working knowledge of the legislative process
and the role of the administration. Therefore, those students who are interested in this challenge
must meet the following qualifications.
A. There must be a strong commitment to our Youth & Government Program, a complete
understanding of how it functions and knowledge of the location of facilities within the Capitol.
A lobbyist must have participated in the Model Government Convention at least one time as a
legislator, elected officer, or member of the Governor's Cabinet.
B. A lobbyist must have a working knowledge of bill writing procedures and the process of
research.
C. Knowledge and concern about social issues and problems are essential.
D. Verbal and written communication skills are very important as in the ability to relate creatively
with various types of individuals and committees.
E. In a very real sense, lobbyists are salespersons. They need to present their cause objectively and
convincingly while respecting the rights and opinions of others.
Responsibilities
A. Immediately following the Election Convention, selected clubs, chosen by the Director, may
choose two (2) student lobbyists. One will concentrate lobbying efforts on senators, one on
representatives. When the bill gets to the Governor’s desk, both will lobby the Governor.
1. Both lobbyists will represent the same special interest group selected from the list on page 61.
(Select five groups and number them in order of preference.)
2. The names of your two lobbyists and the special interest groups selected by them must be
sent to the State YMCA Office. If several club lobbyists select the same special interest group,
preference will be given on the order in which club registrations were received for the Election
Convention.
3. You will be notified of the special interest group you will represent at the Model Government
Convention. You will also be provided with a lobbyist in your area who will serve as a resource
person to your two lobbyists. This person will help you research the problems of concern to
your special interest group.
4. Lobbyists may choose to write a bill. If so, they must convince a senator or representative to
sponsor it.
5. When club bills are received in the State YMCA Office, those in the area of your interest
group will be sent for your study. You will take a position on these bills and develop your case
in favor or opposition.
