TIPS FOR CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATORS

DO’s

• Be Respectful and Professional

  • Always address legislators and staffers formally unless invited to use first names.

  • Demonstrate appreciation for their time and consideration.

  • Be punctual and understanding if they cut your meeting short. Legislators have many responsibilities during the session.

• Build Relationships

  • Foster a rapport with your legislators. Trust and kindness often lead to long-term advocacy success.

  • Find opportunities to visit with your legislators outside of the legislative session - at town halls or community events throughout the year.

• Do Your Homework

  • Understand the legislator’s district, priorities, and committee assignments. Tailor your message to show how your issues align with their interests.

• Be Clear and Concise

  • Make your position clear and explain how it impacts you, your business or your community.

  • Use facts, personal anecdotes, or statistics relevant to the issues you’re advocating for.

  • Demonstrating how a policy is personal to you, or your business, and to the legislator’s district is the most impactful way to convey your message to a legislator.

  • Have a well defined “ask” (for example, asking them to vote for or against a bill).

DON’TS

• Don’t Assume They Know Your Issue

  • Avoid using industry jargon and acronyms or assuming a legislator understands specific industry policy.

• Don’t Be Confrontational

  • Avoid argumentative tones, even if the legislator opposes your position or you oppose their position.

• Don’t Criticize Other Lawmakers

  • Avoid speaking negatively about other legislators or parties, as it can detract from your issues.

• Don’t Guess

  • Don’t guess answers to questions you don’t know the answer to. The response, “I don’t know, but I will get back to you,” is always acceptable.

• Don’t Forget to Say Thank You

  • Never leave a conversation with your legislator without expressing gratitude for their time, consideration and service as a legislator.