RESULTS volunteers protect U.S. anti-poverty programs with deep advocacy (Part 2 of 3)

Motivational Interviewing deepens relationships and moves lawmakers into action  

One of the most effective ways we’ve found to develop meaningful relationships with members of Congress is through Motivational Interviewing. This tactic is part of the toolbox of techniques RESULTS gives advocates for lobbying. The strategy paves the way for effective, value-based conversations with congressional offices of all political leanings.

Many volunteers find Motivational Interviewing transforms their ability to work with members of Congress and staff. It’s especially effective with those who are new or unfamiliar with our issues or who oppose our policy positions. 

RESULTS volunteers from Texas, shown above, used the techniques to engage with Senator John Cornyn’s (R-TX) office about threatened cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). They told the aide about the tremendous need for the program, making it specific to the senator’s constituents. More than 3 million Texans rely on SNAP to have enough food, they said. And the benefits help an average of 600,000 Texans lift themselves out of poverty each year, including more than 300,000 children.  

They also shared personal stories. One volunteer grew up on food stamps, now known as SNAP — her family relied on them to get through the month. Another used them for a short time to get through a difficult financial period when his children were young. 

Then it was time to probe the aide — and the senator’s — understanding and views of SNAP through Motivational Interviewing. “I’m a fan of the technique,” Craig Roshaven, a volunteer from Ft. Worth, said after the meeting. “The way I approach it is to come up with open-ended questions.”  

Craig asked the aide: “Which of the senator’s constituents do you think would be most and least affected if SNAP benefits were cut? What do you know about how the senator sees SNAP funding fitting into this year’s budget? What do you know about any efforts to reduce SNAP by increasing requirements? How does the senator feel about SNAP and Medicaid benefits being cut to pay for tax cuts?” 

“We got great answers,” Craig said afterwards. “I was very surprised by how positive and supportive they were.” 

Connecting values helps build bridges with members of Congress and make the case for change 

Volunteers from Idaho also used Motivational Interviewing to encourage Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) to expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) so they support more people experiencing poverty.  

“Tax policy is the place where a nation shows its priorities,” Kris Paulson told the aide. “It was evident during COVID recovery, when the CTC and EITC were expanded and helped create a more level playing ground. In Idaho, where the minimum wage is $7 and people are working full time, it can still be difficult to reach the minimum income level to receive the Child Tax Credit, and low-income families with more than one child don’t receive the full credit.”  

She asked, “What are Senator Crapo’s priorities?”  

The aide stressed the senator’s support for the CTC. He also expressed appreciation for RESULTS’ raising awareness of the CTC and EITC.  

“We want to find the common cause and values that the senator shares,” Kris said as the meeting wrapped up. “We would like him to put the money where it’s needed in our tax code.” 

This is a three-part series exploring RESULTS’ advocacy efforts. Read Part 1 and Part 3.