Download - A GUIDE TO ACTION BEING HEARD. 4 EASY WAYS TO GET THEIR ATTENTION Contact your legislators
1. Send a letter
They’ll read it, and you’ll probably hear back from them
If it’s urgent, fax it! It’ll avoid security delays
3. Call them on the phone
Even if you can’t speak to a member of Congress, you can get your message passed on to them.
4. Talk face-to-face
Meet in Washington– Members make time for their constituents, and you can try an appointment
Meet in their district office– Meetings are sometime easier away from the Capitol
------------start a dialogue-------------
1. Participate in local meetings
2. Participate in virtual forums
3. Respond to a survey
4. Get to know staff
Your message should be…
Factual and researched
Clear and concise
Personal
Inclusive of other backgrounds
During your conversation, you should be…
Constructive
Informed about Congress
A listener
Courteous
Aware of rules of propriety
Open to compromise
Finally, remember…
Be patient
Be persistent
To enjoy yourself and your active role in our representative democracy!
DO: DON’T:
Schedule your appointment in advance
Be punctual Dress appropriately Prepare adequate materials
(handout and a brief leave-behind)
Stay focused on your issue Provide relevant and
specific examples Follow up after your
meeting
Show up or leave too late
Get off trackWear your work bootsBring everyone you
knowSulk if you only meet
with staffMix personal and
professional agendas
DOs and DON’Ts of citizen advocacy
Get to know your legislators, and help them get to know you
1. Invite them to your conservation or farm meetings
2. Invite them to your annual banquets3. Take them on a conservation tour in their
district4. Make a speaking invitation5. 30/6 rule: Invest 30 minutes to contact your
elected official 6 times a year.