Tips From A Senator

 

In April, Peace Connections hosted Kansas State Senator Christine Downey, who offered the following ideas for communicating effectively with legislators.

 

Most Effective:

·        Set your intention to develop a long term relationship with the legislator.

·        When writing a legislator for the first time, provide appropriate details.  Tell who you are.  State the issue precisely and tell how the issue affects you.  It is more helpful if you state specifically what you want the legislator to do.

·        Tell stories and anecdotes to document your issue. Legislators need stories to communicate issues effectively in debate.

·        Use a friendly tone.

·        When you meet a legislator in person, introduce yourself and remind the legislator of previous contacts.

·        Show up where legislators are--for example, at meetings, presentations, or other scheduled events.

·        Create an advocacy group.  Having more constituents involved in an issue helps the legislator justify making it a priority.

·        Participate in legislative committee discussions.  Professional lobbyists often do, but it is rare to see citizens participate.

 

Least Effective:

·        Sending a mass-mail piece.

·        Sending an "individual" letter that is obviously copied from another source.

·        Not providing enough detail.

·        Not being specific about what you want.

·        Communicating once "from out of the blue" and not following up.