TIPS FOR DEALING EFFECTIVELY WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS
There are a number of ways to get
your views across to your representatives in the legislature, either through
mail, e-mail, telephone or personal contact. The following are a few tips from
professional lobbyists to make sure you make the most of your attempt at being
heard:
UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE - Read and understand the bill, know why you support
it or oppose it, know how it impacts you. Get a copy of the legislation, read it
beforehand and know the opposing view.
TIME IS PRECIOUS - Legislators are usually busy from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
during the legislative sessions. Call ahead of time in order to have an
opportunity to see your legislator. Otherwise, you may be lucky to get only a
couple of minutes. In any event, you should be brief and get quickly to the
point.
SHOW RESPECT FOR THE LEGISLATORS AND THE COMMITTEES - Listen to their
views without becoming argumentative. Get to know them and their staffs; this
will help the communication process and bolster your chances of success.
BE FACTUAL AND HONEST by providing accurate information. Don’t ruin your
credibility with inaccuracies. Moreover, don’t stray from the issue on your
agenda.
BE POSITIVE by going in confident that you will be able to persuade your
legislator to agree with your position.
IF YOUR LEGISLATOR DOES NOT COMMIT firmly to your position, stay in
contact by providing more information on the issue and having others write
letters who support you.
IN THE END, THANK YOUR LEGISLATOR for listening to your argument, even if
he or she does not agree with you. Thank-you notes are uncommon and often
remembered.
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
Prepared by the Joint Council of Extension Professionals