How to get a policy changed

A friend in Branchburg NJ is working to rally the troops to get some action on a new grading system in their schools. It appears to be the same type of grading system our elementary school kids have to endure (1, 2, 3, 3*, 4). I am writing this for their benefit as well as your benefit here in Holly Springs, because all too often when citizens try to get a policy changed, it is done with emotion but few facts. As a result, elected officials really cannot use the input provided, which ends up making citizens distrust government.

First, don't insult those who are in those decision making seats. Don't tell them that they already had their minds made up. Yes, individually, as an elected official you would have an opinion on the issue based on data previously provided. However, you cannot meet as a group unless it is an official meeting. So don't accuse them of meeting ahead of time, because you will be accusing them of breaking the law!!

Second, understand how the meeting must be handled. There are certain things that must be done in an open meeting. Sometimes the public is allowed to speak, sometimes not. The best thing you can do is watch and learn the decorum over time. I would also suggest contacting the clerk ahead of time to better understand what can and cannot be done. On the new Holly Springs website they have added some of this information in the town council section.

Third, provide facts about the issue, facts about successes or failures in other places. You can even provide personal experiences, but don't resort to using tactics or phrases like, "the blood of the children will be on your hands". Yes, that is something I was once told!

There was a group of citizens who lived on Skybrook Drive who bought their homes after plans for a pump station were in place behind this cul de sac. Certainly one could say that the pump station plan came first and they did not do their research. However most of the men in this cul de sac came together asked questions, put together facts, were professional and persistent. There was one gentleman who became the lead spokesman for the group which allowed them to be concise and efficient with their comments. As a result, they were able to get some significant buffers added around the pump station, which may not have been perfect, but much more than they would have gotten otherwise. There was one member of the group who did have the propensity to get emotional, but the group often made efforts to stifle him.

I always use this issue an the example of how to complain effectively. These guys fought an uphill battle, but they accomplished much more because they handled the issue professionally and with drive and persistence.