On TV - mostly in a political context - we often hear about lobbies. This word is used mainly in a negative sense, although in fact it has many meanings. And not only political ones. Let's try to figure out what is hidden behind this mysterious term. After all, we have to deal with it, and for some people it even turned into a curse word.
Origin
The oldest variants of this word can be found in Latin. Initially, this was the name of various extensions. Lobium means gallery or open corridor. In one of the variants of the old German language there is a word louba with a similar meaning. In addition, it can also be translated as "porch". But in the modern Russian language, this term came from English. It is in the UK that "lobby" is a name that has taken on both direct and figurative meanings. If initially it was translated as “room”, “corridor”, then more and more often it becameuse as an analogue of representation of interests.
The direct meaning of the word "lobby"
In English, this term is still mainly used to refer to parts of a building such as a lobby or foyer. In Russian, this happens less frequently. Lobby is a word that is usually used to describe the hotel area immediately adjacent to the reception desk. They meet and receive visitors there, and so that they are not bored, they offer comfortable chairs, the latest press, soft drinks and snacks. Therefore, in such places there are often so-called lobby bars. They have a cozy atmosphere. In addition, in modern multi-storey buildings there are so-called "couloirs". These are various halls and meeting rooms where meetings are held and preliminary decisions are made.
Political lobbying
This is an attempt to influence the laws and practices of the state. Probably, the expression “corridors of power” also inspired the second meaning of the term being described. Since different groups of people have their own interests, they try to defend them by influencing some persons who are able to protect these interests. Therefore, they try to penetrate into these very “corridors of power” and talk about what they need, why this organization, official or civil servant should pay attention to their problem. Thus, in this context, a lobby is a representation of interests. Often this is done by advisors or consultants.certain individuals who explain to legislators why certain actions or documents should be taken in favor of certain groups. Even more often, lobbying is carried out by special companies and civil activists who meet with parliamentarians or officials.
Methods of influence
Since the modern state balances between the interests of various groups, including corporate ones, the use of a lobby is an activity that can have a formal, public character, or, conversely, be prohibited. There is even a profession that teaches how to interact with the authorities. Interestingly, there are lobbying groups in Russia, but there is no official speci alty of this kind. In Germany, such activities are regulated by a special law. But the US lobby is a very old occupation. Initially, it meant mechanisms for influencing legislators, but recently Congress has been the focus of interest push groups. Mostly in the United States, lobbying takes place at a professional level, huge amounts of money are spent on it. Special companies defend the interests of various organizations, labor unions and corporations through political actions and even elections, often funding a candidate with the right positions.
Secrets of Successful Lobbying for Public Activists
Different types of organizations, as a rule, use the promotion of their interests through the "corridors of power". There is nothing illegal or unacceptable in this, if such actions, of course,not accompanied by bribery. The public lobby is an attempt to make the protection and promotion of the program goals and interests of this group an important component in government policy. To do this, you should select people who know how to do this, put a message into their mouths that will work, and send them to those officials or parliamentarians on whom it depends. As with any activity, the initial step should be a strategic analysis of the situation. Experience shows that the most effective approaches to government work when long-term ties are established with certain institutions or individuals, even if there are large differences in ideology. Government officials may help community members for a variety of reasons. These may be personal views, a serious attitude to international obligations, or an interest in a positive image.
