| DOs |
DON'Ts |
| DO |
Identify yourself and who you represent every time you make contact. Legislators and local policymakers meet hundreds of people and they can't remember everyone. |
DON'T |
Arrive with a crowd. One to three well-prepared supporters are enough. |
| DO |
Know the issue or the status of the legislation. Refer to the legislation by bill number. |
DON'T |
Back legislators into a corner. |
| DO |
Be brief (10 minutes or less). Legislators are very busy. |
DON'T |
Overwhelm them with too much information or jargon. |
| DO |
Be specific and practical. Relate arguments to situations in the legislator's home district. |
DON'T |
Get into lengthy arguments. |
| DO |
Thank legislators. |
DON'T |
Be afraid to say you don't know. Offer to find out and send the information soon. |
| DO |
Keep the door open for further discussion even if you don't agree at the time. There's a reason they say, “Politics makes strange bedfellows”. |
DON'T |
Confront, threaten, pressure or beg. |
| DO |
Talk with legislators even if their positions differ with yours. |
DON'T |
Expect legislators to be specialists. Their schedules and the number of bills make them generalists. |
| DO |
Think of yourself as a consultant to a legislator. You have expertise and insights that help the legislators understand the bill. |
DON'T |
Ask the impossible...too often. |
| DO |
Be honest. NEVER lie. Acknowledge opposing arguments and any political liabilities. |
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| DO |
Ask the legislator for support. |
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| DO |
Leave behind a one-page fact sheet summarizing your position. Highlight important facts and arguments. Include your name, address, and telephone number so you can be reached if there are any questions. |
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