Lobbying is defined as any attempt by individuals or private interest groups to influence government decisions. Depending on what you want to achieve, you can lobby at the local, regional, national or European level. Sometimes one needs to get involved at all these levels.
It can seem a daunting task for a small and seemingly powerless association: but think of the impact a mosquito can have on a big, powerful man.
We can distinguish between two types of lobbying: lobbying with a very specific aim, and more generally, long term image building. While the former might seek to change a legislation, a tax rule, a particular cultural policy scheme, the second aims at building understanding for the importance of translation and creating goodwill for the translators – or your association – more in general.
And remember: mention the association all the time, everywhere, always.