What can we do to avoid or anticipate problems in pushing passage of H.R. 5680 in the new Congress?
There are many lessons to be learned from our efforts over the past year or so. Among the major lessons include: Ethiopian Americans have emerged as a formidable force in the grassroots advocacy movement on the Hill. We are known in many House and senate offices for our vigorous advocacy activities. There is a need for improved coordination among grassroots groups, organizations and advocates of H.R. 5680. One of the principal complaints from a number congressional offices has been that the supportive effort lacks coordination, and consequently congressional offices have to respond to the same queries numerous times resulting in an unnecessary waste of staff time. Greater effort is needed to coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts. Grassroots advocates should be more familiar with the human rights issues and be prepared to articulate their demands to Congressional members, particularly, staffers, without being argumentative or obnoxious. Advocates who undertake face-to-face interactions
