June 12, 2017
Being Effective
Rarely does legislation win solely on merits of the bill itself.
Massive public support influences legislators in a big way.
Must be orchestrated for a specific strategic purpose
Less frequency with greater volume for maximum effectiveness
Don’t cry wolf all the time
Use: Phone, Snail Mail, and E-mail
7 Critical Mistakes of Email Campaign
- Letter is too long – less than ¾ a page or will be ignored – Get to the point!
- Threatening in any way – personally or voting out of office
- Using a form letter
- Not referencing the specific bill
- Not being specific with request
- Not being timely
- Not enough letters
Specifics of an Email or Written Letter
Identify the legislation you are writing about. Use actual bill number.
Follow opening paragraph with concise explanation of why you support or oppose the particular bill or issue
Few strong, well-thought-out arguments - much more effective than a laundry list
Whenever possible, use bullet points to outline your arguments
Less than one paragraph on how legislation affects your personally
Mention any expertise – attorney, psychologist, parent, grandparent
Use simple language
Be very clear about what action you are wanting!!!!
Vote on a bill in committee
Ask them to call committee chair for a vote in committee
Ask them to call chair to move to Floor
Ask for vote on Floor
Always be respective in the tone of your letter and Thank them for reading your letter
Include a few facts, figures
Include your name and address
Include information for resources for more information
Address your letter appropriately – Honorable __________
Our Database:
We must have everyone be a part of this massive databse
Especially need:
Michigan
Illinois
Missouri
Iowa
Kentucky
Colorado
Kansas
North Dakota
Alabama
Texas
Florida
South Carolina
We will include:
Who to write
When to write
Bullet points to write
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