In person meeting-either at the capitol, or a meeting in district.
- Call for an appointment in advance, and be on time.
- Plan for a maximum of 15 minutes, be prepared for less than 10. Be concise.
- Do your homework…know what you’re asking for-support or oppose a bill.
- Stay focused on your message-what do you want out of the meeting.
- Provide input/information/ you opinion-and why. Stories that demonstrate your point are helpful.
- Ask for their support/opposition….do they need additional information.
- Always tell the truth, if you don’t know - say so, and get back to them with the information.
- Be polite, don’t threaten, be respectful.
- Remember the Golden Rule-treat others, as you would like to be treated.
- Allow time for questions/discussion.
- Thank them for the visit.
- Follow up with a personal mailed note.
Letters are an important tool to communicate with Legislators. Legislators keep correspondence that is directed in the file with the bill the letter is addressing.
- Be clear at the top of the letter what the bill number is, or the concept that is being address.
- One topic per letter.
- Be clear, concise, and provide examples.
- Include your contact information-phone, email, etc.
- Form letters carry little weight
Emails need to be clear, brief, focused with the topic in the subject line e.g. support Senate bill XXXX.
- Many of the same rules for letters also apply with emails.
- Make your communication personal-provide facts, or specific information.
- When sending an email, do not include multiple legislators on the sent line…spam filters will frequently flag those emails. One email per legislator.
- Form emails carry little weight
- Always include your contact information in your email.
