Advocacy Information

• Do not expect to be able to personally speak to Senator/Representative.

• Ask to speak with the Legislative Assistant responsible for the issue.

• Be prepared. Before calling, have your message written in front of you and review it carefully…so you know exactly what you want to say.

• Identify yourself as a constituent (include title/position).

• State purpose of your call, and keep the message simple and concise.

• Be courteous. Congressional staff work long hours - 10 to 12 hour days are not uncommon - and have many demands and pressures on their time.

• Thank the staffer for taking your call and let him/her know you will follow-up.

• Be Direct…state purpose of writing (e.g. name/number of bill).

• Be Informative…identify yourself as a constituent (title, university).

• Be Constructive…offer recommendations (don't blame, accuse, threaten).

• Be Political…explain how issue effects the district/state/country.

• Be Discriminating…stick to one issue per letter (avoid "laundry list").

• Be Inquiring…ask how the Member stands on the issue.

• Be Available…let him/her know that you are available for follow-up.

• Be Appreciative…thank Member for considering your concerns/request.

• Introduce yourself and state purpose of visit

• Explain issue in terms of district/local needs

• Use personal stories/examples (data/statistics)

• Explain what you want member to do (request)

• Ask for legislator's support (gain commitment)

• Express appreciation (thank you for meeting)

(Remember: Be prepared, be on time and be concise)

First…The Do’s

• Be positive.

• Present message in clear, concise, and understandable terms.

• Give examples from your Community, District, State.

• Be brief and stick to the subject of the meeting.

• Press firmly for support…or serious consideration.

• Inform the Congressman/Staffer how you will follow-up. Express appreciation; thank Member/Staffer for the visit.

Now…the Don’ts

• DON’T underestimate the importance of Congressional Staff.

• DON’T be surprised if you are asked to address another issue or concern to Member…be flexible.

• DON’T expect scientific conclusions to convince legislators.

• DON’T forget…you’re the expert (and the voter).

• Important local needs
  (statistics/data)
• Personal stories and examples
  (illuminating statistics/data)
• How federal money is spent in district
  (benefits to community)
• How you might represent more votes
  (position in community)
• How specific legislation will affect you
  (positive/negative)

• Write a follow-up letter to the Member and/or staffer(s) with whom you met and thank them for the visit. Reiterate the points you covered in the meeting.

• Continue contact with the Member and/or staffer(s) with whom you met. When possible, send additional information that would be useful to them.

• If appropriate, arrange to have your Representative or Senator visit your program or research facility.

• Encourage your colleagues to become more involved in education advocacy.

• Keep informed on issues of importance to you by joining the APA Public Policy Education Grassroots Network.