Engaging Your Legislators Jess Smithers District III Program Advisor

Access Rule: Legislators think differently in Springfield, than they do back home. More effective – back home. 90 / 10 Rule – Legislators talk 90% of the time, you 10% of the time.

Access – 1st Meeting Introduce Yourself. Don’t ask for anything. Make a request of legislator – to come visit you.

Access – 2nd Event Legislator visits your school. Be sure the legislator leaves with a gift of appreciation (small gift – pen, plaque, etc.)

Educate Legislators Send a note. Clip out news articles – send with a note. Make requests in home office. Be specific in requests. Close a deal at home – remind them in Springfield

Educate Legislators Email Subject Line – Position Request Body – Reasons Why Identify yourself – name, contact info, address. Don’t say that you are a constituent or voter in their district – sounds like intimidation.

Educate Legislators Emails, letters, phone calls, postcards – not as effective as personal contacts. More weight given to things that are most difficult to do. Personalized letters, no form letters.