Persuading the Principal: Lobbying for School Change

Did you know that companies, groups, and even individuals can hire someone called a lobbyist to persuade lawmakers to make decisions in their favor? Lobbyists work in and around government buildings, trying to influence policies by talking directly with government officials, explaining issues, or even drafting parts of laws. Some believe that lobbyists ensure that every voice has a chance to be heard, while others think it gives an unfair advantage to those with more money and connections.

History Note:
Lobbying dates back to the early days of the United States when ordinary people would "lobby" (hang around) outside government buildings to catch a moment with politicians. Over time, it became a job itself! By the 1800s, businesses and other groups realized they could hire people to represent their interests full-time. Today, lobbying is a huge industry with millions of dollars spent every year. Some say it keeps our government connected to what people want, while others worry it’s mostly helping the wealthy.

Visit https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/top-recipients to see a list of candidates with contributions from lobbyists in the 2024 election cycle.

Your Task:
Imagine you’re a lobbyist, but instead of pitching your idea to lawmakers, you’re working to persuade your school principal to take action on an issue that’s important to you.

Choose Your Issue: Think about something you’re passionate about changing at school—it could be anything from updating the cafeteria menu to adding more outdoor time or organizing a recycling program.

Pick your Approach:

• What arguments will you make and what evidence will you share?

• Will you have a group of students to support you?

• When, where, and how frequently will you meet with the Principal?

• The more details you can provide on your lobbying methods, the better!