Lobby the Lobbyists

Turns out access to power has a public directory

Let’s be honest: lobbyists are powerful. They hold access, they hold information, and they hold influence over the people who make the decisions that affect your community. And yet, somehow, they feel untouchable. But here’s a radical thought—why not reach out to them directly? Why not lobby the lobbyists?

I know what you’re thinking: “Crystal, lobbyists are not there to take my call.” And you’re right—most of the time, they’re not. They’re busy, calculating, and often operating behind the scenes. But that’s exactly why this is the moment to try. Lobbyists are the gatekeepers of information and the amplifiers of influence. If you care about criminal justice reform, Medicaid expansion, voting rights, or any other issue that matters to your community, understanding who is representing what—and why—can change the game.

Step 1: Know Who Lobbyists Are

Head to the West Virginia Ethics Commission Lobbyist Directory. Download the current PDF, open it, and use the search function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to find keywords related to your issue:

• “Criminal justice”
• “Racial justice”
• “Education”
• “Healthcare”

You’ll see names and organizations linked to the topics you care about. 

Step 2: Collect Contact Information

Once you find a lobbyist, note:

• Their name
• The organization they represent
• Any contact info listed (email, phone, or business address)

This is your target list. These are the people influencing policy behind the scenes, and now they are within reach.

Step 3: Draft Your Message

Your goal is not to intimidate or argue, but to make your voice heard — strategically.

Keep it respectful, clear, and concise. Think of it as a briefing you’d give a legislator. You’re sharing facts, values, and your perspective.

But here’s the key: be explicit about why they matter.

Name how their access to their client, agency, or issue could make a difference.

For example:

• If they represent a hospital association, explain how their position could influence healthcare access in your community.
• If they lobby on criminal justice issues, point out how their advocacy could shape sentencing reform or reentry support.
• If they work with education groups, note how their influence could impact funding or policy decisions.

You’re not just stating your opinion. You’re making a strategic ask:

Because you advise and influence decision-makers on this issue, your position carries weight. I’m asking you to use that access to support ______.

Spell it out. Connect the dots for them. Make it clear that you understand their role in the power structure — and that you expect them to act accordingly. Helpful Hint: Use Chapt GPT!

Step 4: Follow Up and Track Responses

If the lobbyist responds, take notes. Compare what they say to the positions of the legislators they influence. If they are not advocating for your issue, that is critical information. Repeat this process with multiple lobbyists to build a complete picture of influence on your issue. It’s worth a try!

Step 5: Why This Could Work

Many activists assume that only legislators matter—but lobbyists shape the conversation behind the scenes. By identifying who they are, what they represent, and how they operate, you’re no longer operating in the dark. The system puts this information online for transparency—you just have to use it.

Calling, emailing, or sending a note to a lobbyist is not audacious—it’s civic engagement. It’s saying: I see what you’re doing. I’m paying attention. And my community matters.

Lobby the lobbyists. They’re not untouchable—they’re just untapped.