Advocacy

BECOMING AN ADVOCATE

You can be an advocate just by writing, e-mailing, or calling your legislators. You can also meet with a legislator, join rallies, sign petitions, or vote. Registering to vote is especially important when contacting your legislators because it shows that you have the power to hold them accountable on Election Day.

SENDING A LETTER OR AN E-MAIL

Writing is an effective way of making a cause known to a legislator. A letter or an e-mail from one person indicates a likelihood that many others share the same concerns. It also leaves a paper trail, which serves as physical evidence that the public has noticed an issue.

Letter

Include your name, postal address, phone number, and e-mail address. If possible, use personal or business letterhead. Unless you know the legislator personally, use the proper form of address:

Senator/Representative: "To the Honorable [FirstName LastName]" or "Dear Senator/Representative [LastName]"
Member of the Senate/House Leadership: "Dear Mr./Ms. [Title]" (e.g., "Dear Mr. Speaker")
The Governor: "His/Her Excellency [FirstName LastName]" or "Dear Governor [LastName]"

The body of your letter should answer the following questions:

• Who are you? Mention whether you are a constituent, businessperson, member of an organization, etc.
  
• What do you want? State the title and number of a bill, or line item if relevant, and where this matter is in the legislative process. Specify the action you want taken, whether voting on a bill or moving it out of committee.
• Why should your legislator take such action? Describe your position, include any compelling statistics, and give examples of how the issue affects you, your community, and any organization that you may represent.

Close by offering to provide additional information if requested. Thank the legislator for his/her time and repeat your contact information. Type your name and handwrite your signature. Your letter is ready to mail!

Email

Many legislators have electronic forms on their websites to facilitate communication with them. Fill out the provided form and write about your issue as you would in a letter.

CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATOR BY PHONE

Calling your legislator can add a sense of urgency. Chances are that you will end up speaking with an aide. That's OK. Treat the aide as you would the legislator, and get his/her name for follow-up calls. Keep your conversation brief, but begin by introducing yourself. You can reach Massachusetts state legislators at (617) 722-2000.

MEETING WITH YOUR LEGISLATOR

Meeting with a legislator puts a personal face on the cause you represent and demonstrates your dedication to an issue. Developing a relationship with a legislator can serve as an effective method of addressing your concerns.

Schedule an appointment at your legislator's office. You may not always be able to meet directly with the legislator and instead meet with an aide. That's OK. Treat the aide as you would the legislator. Aides often have more time to focus on a specific issue and can influence how your cause is presented to the legislator. Create a fact sheet, including the line item number and bill title, that can serve as a reference for you and your legislator.

Start by thanking your legislator for his/her time. If the legislator supported your issue in the past, express your gratitude for that as well. Introduce yourself and provide background on your issue and how it affects you, your community, and any organization that you may represent. Specify what you are asking of your legislator, such as a vote for or against a bill, an increase in funding on a specific line item, etc. Ask how the legislator perceives the issue. If the legislator asks a question to which you do not know the answer, it is perfectly acceptable to say that you are unsure and will provide an answer at a later date.

Remember to follow up! If your legislator supports your cause, you may ask how you could be of assistance. Leave your contact information in case any questions or developments arise in the future. Thank the legislator again for meeting with you, shake hands, and be on your way.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Regardless of your legislator's position, do not issue an ultimatum or force a commitment. Expressing your passion is sufficient, whereas getting angry only leaves a bad impression upon you and your cause. Since legislators are busy, they appreciate lobbyists who respect their time.