HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH CONGRESS
Pennsylvania Cooperative Extension Service

Some people find the prospect of speaking to an elected official intimidating because they don’t know what to expect. Below are some tips for effective communication, advice on arranging and planning visits, writing letters, making phone calls, and getting your message across through fax and email.

Tip #1: Prepare your message ahead of time so that you can make a clear and well organized presentation. Then rehearse the message until you feel comfortable. Letters should be reviewed for clarity and focus. Address only 1 issue in a letter or phone call. In one on one visits you may have time to discuss more than 1 issue.

Tip #2: Simplify your language and speak in lay terms. Remember, most people do not fully understand scientific agricultural terms. Furthermore few legislators full understand the Land Grant system. If you don’t know whether you are communicating clearly practice your message with a non-university friend.

Tip #3: Be personal. Providing a personal prospective is very persuasive. Use stories related to you about your clientele and the congressman’s constituents.

Tip #4: Be concise. Keep your presentation brief. Let the lawmaker ask for details, or try to add them later in the conversation. People tune out if you overwhelm them with data.

Tip #5: Send them a message. Tell your legislators what you want them to do. Ask them to follow up by letting you know how they voted or what other action was taken.

Tip #6: Follow up your first contact. After a visit, send a letter recapping your views and thanking the legislator for his or her time. If you asked for specific action follow up with a request to know the status of the issue.

Introduction | Table of Contents | Citizen Advocacy | Dealing with Legislators | Communication | Decision Makers | Marketing Tips | Educating Decision Makers | Political Environment | Support Base | Advisory Boards | Perceptions | Ideas | Resource Links | Challenge | Credits