Always schedule meetings with
legislators rather than "dropping in." When scheduling an
appointment, make it clear that you are a constituent!
Be respectful of the
legislator's schedule. Be on time and get right to
the point.
For a short but effective
discussion:
Introduce yourself –
as a constituent. Thank the legislator for taking the time to meet with
you. Identify your organization if you are working for a nonprofit or
coalition. Tell a little about your mission and the people served (keep
it brief).
State your purpose. Be
clear about what legislation you are supporting or opposing. Mention it
by bill number and topic. Focus on one topic per meeting. Let the
legislator know your position and why you are asking her/him to vote for
that position.
Let the legislator and
her/his staff members know that you and your organization have information
and expertise. Let them know you can be a resource to them.
Give them a chance to
talk about their perspective on your issue.
Ask for their vote and
try to get a commitment at the meeting.
Let them know you plan
to stay in touch.
Keep it brief. Expect to have
5 to 10 minute conversations during the legislative session.
Follow-up will enhance this
brief meeting, so write a follow-up letter as soon as possible.
Making phone calls
State your name, address and
indicate that you are a constituent.
Give the name and House or
Senate File number of the legislation, or clearly explain the issue.
State whether you oppose or
support the legislation and how you want your legislator to vote. Include
a statement on how the issue affects you personally. You will usually be
speaking with a secretary or aide who is checking pro or con and the call
will last a very short time. Keep the phone call under five minutes unless
the aide or legislator prolongs the conversation.
Listen to the legislator’s
point of view.
Take down the name of the
aide with whom you spoke so that you will have a contact person in case
you need to contact the legislator again.
Thank them for their time,
both on the telephone and with a note of thanks for the conversation that
includes a concise summary of your opinion.
Do not call too often and
risk becoming a nuisance.
Do not lie or try to talk
your way around questions to which you do not know the answers. Say that
you will get back to the legislator or aide, and then do so.
Writing letters
Use the correct address and
salutation (i.e., Dear Senator name, or Dear Representative name, or Dear
Governor name). While the legislature is in session, send letters to
Senate or House offices.
Describe the bill by popular
name and by House or Senate file number, or clearly describe the issue.
Be brief and clear. Write
about one issue per letter, and state the issue and how you want your
elected official to vote in your first sentence. Letters should be no
longer than one page, however longer letters may be appreciated if you
have some new information on the subject.
Be specific. If possible,
give an example of how the issue affects your district.
Be timely. Make sure your
legislator will have sufficient time to consider your request.
Know your facts. Inaccurate
or misleading information will hurt your credibility.
Be polite in your requests
for support or opposition. Never express anger, make demands, or threaten
defeat at the next election. You will want to have future contact with the
legislator.
Use your own words and
stationary rather than form letters or postcards. In addition, write
legibly or type – your letter could be discarded if it is not easy to
read.
Be constructive. Explain an
alternative or better solution to the problem and offer to be a resource
on the issue.
Send a note of appreciation
when your elected official supports your issue. When he or she does not support your issue, explain
why you think a different decision should have been made. It might make a
difference the next time
* These tips come from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits at www.mncn.org/policy_contacting_lawmakers.htm
