Tips for Interacting with Elected Officials

Do Your Homework - Be Informed about all pertinent issues you may wish to discuss with your legislator or other elected officials and about the issues that concern you. Closely follow the action in the legislature as things change on a daily basis. Read the newspapers and appropriate Websites. 

Set Priorities.  Focus on the BIG thing and don't dilute your message with a long list of requests.

Prepare for your meeting.  Develop a concise document that you can leave with your legislature for future reference.

Be Reasonable. Do not overstate your case or you risk losing your credibility. Do not deliver ultimatums or threats. 

Humanize the issue. How is this affecting your child? How is this affecting you personally? 

Meet Your Legislator in his/her home district, if possible. If you are planning to visit an official,

a. Make an Appointment. Don't drop in - elected officials are busy people.
b. Always Introduce Yourself.  Officials meet many people. There is a possibility that you may not be remembered even after multiple visits.
c. Be Brief and Direct.  Don't bring a laundry list of requests. Focus. 

Follow up with a "thank you for your time and support" letter and re-emphasize your request in writing. 

If You Have An Established Relationship, a telephone call may work, but follow up with a written description of your request. 

Never Substitute a Letter for Personal Contact.  A letter should not be used in lieu of a personal meeting or a telephone call. A letter should only be used for thanks and to provide written information.

Listen to What an Official Tells You - Write it Down.  If they make a request, be sure to provide what they ask for, follow up when they ask, and don't hesitate to go back to them on the same or other issues.

a. If promise of support is positive, make sure you thank them.
b. If response is negative, ask if there is any information they need to make a different decision; if their action is negative, thank them for their time and for considering your request.

Always, Always Show Respect For and Empower An Official's Staff.  Staff members can be critical to achieving your goals. They can easily influence their employer's attitude toward you and your issue. Always thank them in some special way for their help. 

Never Get Angry.  Don't burn bridges.  According to Scarlet, "Tomorrow is another day," and positions can very easily change.