A lobbyist is defined by Maine law as a person who is compensated to influence legislative or executive branch actions on behalf of another person, business, or organization.
A lobbyist communicates directly with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor, executive agencies, or certain state officials in an effort to influence:
- Legislation
- Rules and regulations
- Executive branch decisions
- Other governmental actions covered by the law
Maine Youth and Government Lobbyists attend the Leadership Training Session to
- Learn to testify at a Public Hearing
- Learn effective lobbying techniques
- Decide the Bills they will lobby for, or against
- Develop the businesses and/or organizations for whom they will be lobbying
- Prepare testimony to give at a Public Hearing
- Get the schedule for Bills they will lobby
NOTE: Lobbyists serve during the Friday Public Hearings and Work Sessions. On Saturday morning they become members of the House, or Senate, for the remainder of the weekend.
How many people in this Role?
Up to 9 Lobbyists
Who can run for this Role?
Must be a Junior or Senior. Must have at least 1 year of experience participating in Youth and Government.
Main Role and Responsibilities
Lobbyist Role mirrors what real Lobbyists do in Maine. Lobbyists advocate for, or against, a Bill or position. They use facts, stories of people, communities, or places that would be impacted by the Bill, and expert opinions to persuade legislators to amend a Bill or to vote in favor of the Lobbyists viewpoint (either for or against the Bill).
Special Note: All lobbying is done on Friday. On Saturday, all Lobbyists will become a House Representative.
Responsibilities include:
- Research Bills and select some to lobby for or against, your position is up to you to decide.
- Represent an interest group or viewpoint as you prepare your persuasive arguments.
- Testify at Public Hearings on Bills that you want to lobby for or against.
- Develop and propose amendments, with clearly written suggested amendments improve or change the Bills you are lobbying.
- Find opportunities to talk with Senators and Representatives to explain why they should vote a certain way.
- Build support by answering questions, listening to concerns, and negotiating common ground.
- Track the progress of Bills through committees and debate sessions.
- Saturday, you will become a member of the House and be able to participate in floor debate as a Representative.
What skills are important for this Role?
- Confident speaking with others
- Good listening and negotiating skills
- Comfortable debating ideas respectfully
- Organized
- Curious and interested in preparing facts and talking points
Does this Role attend the Leadership Training beginning on Thursday?
Yes!
Election/Selection Procedure
Lobbyists are an appointed position. To apply:
- Complete the Lobbyist Application
- Deadline is Tuesday after Ingenious People Day at 5:00 PM
- A committee of Advisors or Youth Governor will select and will announce winners at Caucus B
- If all roles are not filled, an election will be held at Caucus C.
