Advocate Resources

Legislative Tips for Advocates

Speaking with Legislators

It is important to remember while speaking with legislators that legislation can only reflect what the people want if you and others take the time and trouble to inform them about what you want. Surprisingly, few people contact their legislators. It may be difficult to realize that a single visit in person, a phone call or letter can make an impact on a legislator's views toward a piece of legislation but it certainly can and does. Remember, YOU are the expert and you have valuable information and perspectives to impart.

THINK about what you want to say before you arrive.
SUMMARIZE your concerns in a concise manner.
STATE your position clearly.
SHARE personal stories of someone you know in order to make your case.
SUPPORT your position with a few facts and basic information.
TELL your legislator what you hope he/she will do.
LISTEN to your legislator's concerns and opinions.
INFORM your legislator of opposing viewpoints he/she may encounter and any counter arguments you may have.
UNDERSTAND that your legislator is balancing many constituents' concerns and may not always be able to vote as you hope.
THANK the legislator for his/her time and interest.
OFFER your expertise or assistance in the future.
FOLLOW-UP the visit with a call, letter or card.

Writing to Legislators

One of the simplest and most effective advocacy tools is a personal letter to a decisionmaker. Elelcted officials are especially receptive to letters from constituents and often they or their staff keep track of the number of letters received and the opinions expressed in them. But numbers aren't everything, and even a few powerful letters on an important issue can have an impact.

When an issue is especially urgent, you may want to send a faxed letter and/or and e-mail message to the targeted decisionmaker; the tips that follow apply to these methods also.

Send your letter in time to affect the official's decision. DON'T PUT IT OFF!
Make sure your letter can be easily read. (Type, or write clearly by hand.)
Be brief. Address one issue, clearly and concisely.
Use your own words to get your message across. Don't copy a form letter, or even parts of one. If you make the letter entirely your own, your thoughts and convictions will show your sincerity and concern.
Be positive and constructive. Try to say something complimentary in the first paragraph.
Sign your full name and address so the legislator or other government official can reply to you.
Make your position clear. Say exactly what it is you wish the government official to do. If possible, refer to the issue you're writing about by its official title (Such as "House Bill 123", or "Utilicare, the state energy assistance program".) Write about only one proposed law (bill) or issue in each letter.
Give your own personal experience to support your request. Tell briefly how the issue will affect you, your family, your community, your state, etc.
If you have a particular expertise, describe it...
"As a social worker..."
"The homeless shelter in our area..."
Ask the official to state his/her position on the issue in a reply to you.
Address the government official correctly:

The Honorable (name of official)
State Senator (or, State Representative)
(or, Governor of Missouri)
State Capitol
Jefferson City, MO 65101

Your letter should begin:
Dear Governor (or Senator) (or Representative) (last name):
Appointed officials are also addressed as "The Honorable ____________",
with "Mr. or Ms." as the correct title.

Final Thoughts

Personal letters, with anecdotes, are much more powerful than form letters or post cards.
Don't forget to identify yourself as a constituent (if you are one!) and be sure to note relevant organizational affiliations.
When appropriate, send your letter on business or organizational letterhead to signify that you represent more than one voice.
Urge others to write letters; organize a letter writing even at home or work and invite friends or colleagues to learn about an issue and take immediate action on it! Make it easy for people to advocate by providing "talking points", pens and paper.

Telephoning Legislators

Most state legislators have an office in their home district where they welcome visits and phone calls from constituents. These "home district offices" often have staff persons who can provide services and information for you. You can call that office to find out about the status of a bill, as well as to convey your opinions. When the General Assembly is in session, you may call senators and representatives at their office at the Capitol in Jefferson City. Most legislators must be reached either at home or at their home district office on Fridays and weekends when the legislature is in session.

Many legislators do not mind telephone calls at their homes, especially if they do not have home district offices. But care should be taken to respect a legislator's right to privacy if you call them at home.

Following are recommendations for making phone calls to legislators:

Identify yourself by name, address and home town within the legislator's district.
Identify the bill or issue by name and number.
Briefly state your position on the bill or issue, and how you would like your legislator to vote.
Ask for your legislator's view on the bill or issue; be firm in obtaining a commitment to vote.
Show appreciation for his/her service or past votes. Be positive. Do not be abusive and do not threaten your legislator.
If the legislature is in session, your representative or senator may be at his/her desk on the floor of the chamber. The legislator's secretary or aide may take a message for you in a phone call. When talking to a secretary or legislative aide: identify yourself by name, address, and hometown; identify the bill by name and number; and state how you would like your legislator to vote.
Remember to keep phone calls as brief and to-the-point as possible.
Respect the legislator's busy schedule and be as courteous as if you were visiting in person.

If you do not have your legislator's Capitol office phone number, call the Capitol switchboard at (573) 751-2151 and ask to be connected to the legislator's office. Telephone calls to the Jefferson City offices of other state officials may be made the same way.

General Tips for Working With Legislators

Legislators are busy people and for the most of them time is a most precious commodity. Don't waste it! Here is some good advice to follow:

DO YOUR HOMEWORK: Know the issues and your legislator's particular interests.
Write, call, or visit your legislators and their secretaries to introduce yourself. Let them know who you represent and volunteer to keep them informed about your issues, their impact on your community and on the legislator's district.
Add the legislator's name to your mailing list and ask to have the name or your organizations added to the legislator's mailing list.
Make sure the legislator receives notice of and invitations to special events. This serves as a reminder of your organization's role in the community.
Invite legislator's and perhaps their spouses to tour the premises of your facilities, project, etc. Show them exactly what your organization does and how it contributes to community well-being.
Be alert for photo opportunities, notes for newspapers, media events and the like.
Invite legislators to write a message, article or letter for your organization's newsletter or other publications.
Keep a background file on your legislators, including special interests and personal profiles.
Give public recognition to deserving legislators through awards or honorary lunches. Give credit where credit is due and always say "THANK YOU".
Attend events, social and other types, at which legislators will be present -- not to lobby overtly, but to get acquainted and make them aware of you as an active member of the community.

Citizens for Missouri's Children is a member of Voices for America's Children.