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Step 1
Do your homework. Decide which issue you are going to address, and if possible, find out the correct name and number of the bill, and where your legislator stands regarding it. If she is supports it, you could thank her and offer encouragement. If he is against it, you could give him good, fair, unbiased reasons that he might change his position.
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Step 2
Be professional. If you are handwriting or typing a letter on a computer, use spellcheck/grammar check, and make it neat and easy to understand. If possible, keep it to one page.
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Step 3
If you are meeting with your legislator, address him or her properly, identify yourself immediately, and keep your conversation simple and short, remembering the number of people that they meet, and the time constraints involved. Again, if possible, know the name and the number of the bill you are discussing.
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Step 4
Refer to your homework. Any statistics or written information that you have found in your research should be submitted to your legislator along with your letter or in person to support what you are saying. Make sure that you cite your sources, so that your research can be duplicated and verified.
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Step 5
Be clear. When your legislator finishes with your visit or your letter, it should be clear in his mind why you visited, or what you hoped to gain from your letter. Ask for a written response, making sure that you leave your contact information with your research. She should also understand clearly whether you support or oppose the bill you are discussing.
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Step 6
Be clear about who you represent. If you are representing yourself as a voter or constituent, just sign your name to your letter. If you represent and organization or group, make sure that you represent that as well, and maybe bring written statements from other group members indicating their support for your cause.
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Step 7
Be polite, even if you disagree. Being angry, intimidating or threatening will not ever get you anywhere that you want to be!
Comments
gentletouch said
on 10/9/2009 WE'RE ALWAYS DISCUSSING WITH OUR 4 DIAMONDS(SONS) THAT THEY SHOULD IMPACT THE WORLD WITH WHATEVER THEY DO. YOU ARTICLE BACKS US UP. 5* BLESSINGS, gentletouch
hardworker said
on 2/25/2009 I like this advice. Im my career field this can definitely helpful. 5*
robinc said
on 2/15/2009 It's important to make your voice heard on issues you care about. Good tips--thanks!
offgrid said
on 2/14/2009 Awesome article - we need to know how to do this. 5 *
mommyhen42 said
on 2/14/2009 This is very important information. each of us have things that we feel strongly about, few ever do anything about it and grump when it doesn't go the way they wanted. As Americans we have the right to have our voices heard, it is not difficult to let others know that we feel something is important. Glad to see someone showing just how easy it really is!Great work 5 *