|
|
MFJ TASK FORCE
In the mid 90’s, the MFJ Task Force,
the combination of seven (7) Regional Bell Owned Companies (RBOC's), came together attempting to impact legislation
that would allow them to enter into the long distance markets, cable
industry, manufacture telecommunications equipment and alarm industry. The company determined a need to increase
supporters of its efforts. Focus Communications developed and implemented a
grassroots campaign to provide the RBOC's
a minority support voice on Capitol Hill to speak on behalf of their issues.
We used three strategic tactics to enlist grassroots organizations to
mobilize on behalf of the RBOC's: Community Relations, Public Policy and Event Planning.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The agency solicited the local affiliates of the National Urban League
located in the Congressional districts of the Energy and Commerce committee
members of the House and Senate. Benefit analysis meetings with the
presidents and CEO's of the respective affiliate chapters were
held on how their action or inaction on telecommunication legislation
would affect their affiliate members.
PUBLIC POLICY
Understanding the Urban League affiliates history and involvement in public
policy, Focus worked with the chapters to increase their understanding of
public policy issues and the effects on their memberships. Their increased
understanding of the telecommunication legislation enabled these affiliates
to educate elected officials on their position in a manner that proved to be
very successful.
EVENT PLANNING
To maximize the grassroots effort the agency organized and implemented
several "Hill Days" bringing Urban League affiliates from around
the country to Washington to meet their respective Congressional representatives and to target members to impact
telecommunication legislation. While in Washington, the agency also conducted
additional workshops on how to effectively communicate
with congressional members and senior staff for League representatives.
RESULTS
Agency is credited with launching National Urban
League technology initiative. Telecommunications
legislation passed by an overwhelming margin in Congress.
|
|
