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

1. Letter is too long – less than ¾ a page or will be ignored – Get to the point!
2. Threatening in any way – personally or voting out of office
3. Using a form letter
4. Not referencing the specific bill
5. Not being specific with request
6. Not being timely
7. 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 __________

 

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