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Meeting with your legislators: A few helpful
hints for new political activists!
"...and though they cannot speak, they do
speak, still. For we are the voices of the children who cannot speak
for themselves. We do it for them, in their honor and on their behalf.
We will not stop until justice has been done." Joanne Cacciatore,
Founder, M.I.S.S.
- Your first step is to find out who your local senator
and representatives are. You can find that out by going to this {link}.
Ensure that you know your district because when you call your
legislator, you will be a constituent. Constituents are very important
to legislators. Find
your State Senator.
- Call your legislator’s office and set up an
appointment to meet for 20 minutes. Tell them that you are a
constituent in his or her district.
HELPFUL HINTS
- Write a letter to your senator, representative,
and/or assemblyman. Tell them you are a constituent, to please read the
letter carefully, and that you will follow up in one week with an
appointment.
- Make an appointment with legislator's staff. Tell
them you have already sent a letter (you stand a better chance if you
are a constituent) and would like to meet with them.
- Dress professional and present yourself as a
concerned citizen, not just for yourself but for your community members
as well.
- Plan your visit carefully! Be clear about the facts
and try to be direct. Know your members and their "issues" before
meeting with them.
- Be prompt and patient!
- Be prepared! Print pages from the M.I.S.S.ing Angels
Bill page and read through the history and impetus for the bill. Know
your national and state statistics (we can help you with that!) and
bring the HB2416 information sheet with you.
- Be political! Demonstrate the connection between this
bill and the interests of their constituents. Ask for a commitment.
- Be responsive and follow up. Send a thank you letter
outlining their discussion and commitment and send along any follow up
information they may have requested.
- Ask them for a bill number and email the MISS
Foundation office immediately so we can begin to assist you in getting
support.
Source: The Washington Times, Revised Congress Journal 3, adapted by
the MISS Foundation.
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