COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION
Communication with elected officials is tracked by their offices and allows offices to keep a pulse on important things happening within their district and with their constituents. Phone calls about issues may be categorized, letters may be compiled, and emails may be counted. Officials care what their constituents have to say, and your communication with them can be vital in bringing attention to an issue that they may not be aware of. However you choose to communicate with elected officials (phone, mail, or in person) consider these helpful tips: Communicating by Phone Contacting your elected official on the phone is easier than you might think. If you are trying to connect with someone in your state legislature, visit their website and their number will be listed there. Before you make a call to an elected official’s office, be clear on the following: 1) Why you are calling Always ask to speak with your elected official, and if they are unavailable, talk with their staff member. Rest assured, your conversation with that person in his/her staff makes a difference! The office staff is very important, so get to know them well! They have the ears of the elected official and can help facilitate interactions with them. Communicating by Mail or Email Writing a letter or an email to an elected official can be a very effective form of communication. Your 2) What issue you are calling about 3) What you would like them to do
2) A request for their specific action 3) Relevant bill numbers 4) Your story: don’t threaten; be polite, clear, and concise 5) An offer to serve as a future resource if they have any further questions Given security measures surrounding mailed letters to elected officials, you might want to consider an email as your preferred method of communication, rather than a mailed letter. Communicating in Person Face-to-face meetings with elected officials can be a very effective form of communication. A personal connection engages them in a way that no other form of communication can. You can set up your own meetings by calling your elected official’s office directly. Once you have a meeting date set, begin your preparation! Organize your thoughts and develop key talking points. See below for tips on conducting your meeting. Most importantly, remember this isn’t a political meeting. Leave politics out. The elected official should remember you and your story, not your political affiliation.
letter or email should have 5 basic parts: 1) Appropriate address and salutation
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