|
Get to Know Your
Legislators!
WHY:
Because they have to get to know us.
Politics is personal. Whenever they cast a vote that affects our issues,
they have to be able to think of the people and families who will be
affected. They have to think of our faces and our names.
It is up to us put our faces before them and share with them our
dignity, aspirations, and needs. To let them know how the decisions they
face will affect us for better or for worse.
Get to know their staff and get to know them. That is their job. We just
need to reach out.
HOW:
Use this zip code search that links to their websites. If you want to,
you can read their biography, learn their policy interests, see what
committees they are on, and get their contact information.
You can meet with them in either the district
office or their Capitol office. You can call and ask for an appointment
to meet the legislator or staff, or just drop in and ask to speak with
staff.
An effective way to meet your legislator is at
public meetings in the district. Call the office and ask when these are
happening.
If you are able, volunteer at their district office or in their
campaigns.
MEETINGS:
Go to meetings with a short list of points you want to make.
To make a policy point, speak about your situation or others who are
affected. Make it personal. People respond to people, to real lives. It
is simple.
Always be respectful. You are trying to build a
relationship. Be considerate of their time.
Try and get a next step, because we are
building a relationship (e.g., “Let me know how the Senator votes.” “I
will get that information for you.” “Can I arrange a meeting with the
Assemblymember where I can bring some families to share their
experience?” “I will call you to see when the hearing is.” “Thank you
for your time. May I keep in touch with your staff to keep you informed
on this issue?” Or simply, "I appreciated your time, I look forward to
seeing you again.").
Thank them.
PERSONAL LETTERS - Guidelines:
Include a picture of who this letter is about (yourself, your child,
etc).
Get the names and titles right.
Handwritten or typed is fine
Keep it short (A few paragraphs is fine).
Keep it quick (Do not dwell on it or try to make it perfect! Just make
it from the heart.).
Keep it real. Talk about what really matter to YOU. Keep it personal
(not theoretical or abstract).
Identify which budget proposal or legislation affects you or the people
you know and explain how, using your real life experience.
Typically speak to one budget proposal (or a related set) in one letter.
(Do not send lists).
Be respectful and courteous (say please and thank you!). Do NOT be rude,
threatening, or complaining. And do not make anyone the bad guy.
Include your name and address.
For personal letters, use cc's only when writing the Chair of a
committee. (Generally, legislators need to know that the letter is from
YOU to THEM, not to a list of folks).
SAMPLE LETTER - Format:
December 1, 2003
Hon. Don Karen Bass, Speaker
California State Assembly
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Assemblymember Bass,
(Say who you are or what you do and make your ask) My DAUGHTER/SON,
NAME, is developmentally disabled. I hope you will stand by our family
and oppose the Governor’s proposal to limit spending on needed services.
(Explain the proposal that affects you or the people you work with and
how it affects you; one or two paragraphs) My daughter has autism and
severe behavioral issues. We are able to keep her with her family
because of the behavioral therapy and respite provided by the regional
center. If we lost these services we would have to place her in a
residential care setting at great cost to the state and to our family.
Thank you for listening to my concerns. (And if this is your own
representative ask them to keep you informed on this issue and how they
voted).
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME |
