When I started CATECOMM in 2010, I was shocked with private and non-profit sector advocacy efforts — they spent so much time and money on things that made absolutely no difference with state lawmakers.

To this day, everywhere I look there are coalitions with no people, form email-only advocacy campaigns, rudderless TV spending, and don’t even get me started on social media or “grasstops” campaigns.

My clients know the difference, but I can’t consult for everyone and there are plenty of worthwhile causes out there that deserve to know how to actually move the needle in Tallahassee and state chambers across the country. So in 2013, I started anonymously surveying Florida Legislative Aides. I ask them questions about advocacy, and even give them a chance to give you their advice unfiltered.

Here are the results from our 2021 Florida Legislative Aide Survey. If you’re looking for more insight into these results, just send me an email. Otherwise, happy 2021 legislative session!

— Kevin Cate

Prior to the 2021 Florida Legislative Session, 40 state legislative aides responded to our anonymous survey. 57% self-identified as working in the Florida Senate, 43% in the Florida House. 52% self-identified as Republicans, 42% as Democrats.

Which best describes your lawmaker or committee chair's use of social media?
Which best describes your lawmaker or committee chair's use of social media?
How important are these social media platforms to lawmakers?
How important are these social media platforms to lawmakers?
When thinking about how legislators RECEIVE views from constituents, how important are the following social media platforms?
When thinking about how legislators RECEIVE views from constituents, how important are the following social media platforms?
Has your lawmaker or committee chair ever used these services?
Has your lawmaker or committee chair ever used these services?
Which of the following do lawmakers read/watch/listen to daily or regularly?
Which of the following do lawmakers read/watch/listen to daily or regularly?
How likely are these paid methods to influence legislators?
How likely are these paid methods to influence legislators?
Assuming a legislator doesn't have a firm opinion on an issue, how likely is he/she to be influenced by these methods?
Assuming a legislator doesn't have a firm opinion on an issue, how likely is he/she to be influenced by these methods?
For a lawmaker, how important are these methods when communicating with constituents?
For a lawmaker, how important are these methods when communicating with constituents?
How important are the following people or groups in the lawmaking process?
How important are the following people or groups in the lawmaking process?
How important are the following types of information for influencing lawmakers?
How important are the following types of information for influencing lawmakers?
What is the most valuable advice you could give to citizens regarding influencing lawmakers?
Attacking character generally falls on deaf ears. If you disagree with a lawmaker's stance on something, offer to have a conversation and list your reasoning. Berating will land your voicemails in the trash.
Directly contact. Don’t use copy paste. [Always] tag on social media.
Be honest.
Be persistent.
Get in the ears [and support] of local [County] Commissioners, [too].
Organize people at the grassroots level around an issue you care about and formulate an effective communications strategy to advance your cause.
Be persistent but friendly.
[Make] phone calls.