Groups that you oppose might be your ally during the next legislative fight. Do not burn bridges. This is one of the most basic tenets of legislative advocacy, and legislators whose proposals you have just killed have long memories. Many great legislative ideas have come to fruition after years of work and you need to look beyond the horizon to see the possibilities and rewards. X-ray vision will also help you anticipate legislative measures that could hurt your ability to deliver services at the local level.
Timely contacts are the key to success.
Also remember that yesterdays legislative battles are in the past and that win or lose you need to forge new and positive relationships for the future. If you want parks and recreation to prosper you must become a zealot for the field at local, state and national levels. Everybody involved with your agency has an impact on the public perception of the services you deliver. Send your program brochures to policy-makers and invite them to groundbreakings, dedications, special events, meet and greet opportunities with board and staff. We all realize that during recreation experiences you can really get to know someone, so make the most of the opportunities inherent in the field.