“It’s human beings talking to one another”: The role of relationship building in non-profit lobbying

This paper explores the importance of relationship building in the non-profit lobbying process. The study findings stress the importance of providing accurate information on policy issues (trust and openness); telling the story of clients (involvement); and researching and identifying the issues of the policy maker (investment). Implications for practise suggest relationship building in non-profit lobbying has an impact on achievement of organisational policy goals and objectives. Successful relationship building with policy makers requires strategy development and skills, which should be viewed as a set of activities that should be formally integrated into an organisation’s objectives and strategic planning.