Connecting With Your Legislators

10 Ways to Contact Your Legislators 1.Send a letter (via fax preferably) 2.Send an 3.Call on the phone 4.Meet in Washington 5.Meet in their Congressional District Office

6.Participate in local meetings 7.Participate in virtual forums 8.Make a speaking invitation 9.Respond to a survey 10.Get to know staff

How To Be Heard

Making Your Case Effectively Be factual Be clear and concise Be personal Be inclusive

Be constructive Be informed about Congress Be a listener Be courteous Be aware of rules

Be open to compromise Be patient Be persistent Enjoy yourself

Some Basic Do’s and Don’ts Do: Schedule your appointment well in advance Be punctual for your meeting Dress appropriately for the occasion Prepare adequate materials, handouts and a brief leave behind

Do: Stay focused on your issue Provide relevant, specific examples from the legislator’s home district Follow up after your meeting to answer any questions or unresolved issues

Don’t: Show up 15 minutes late Wear out your welcome Talk about your recent doctor’s appointment Wear your work boots

Don’t: Bring everyone you know to the meeting Get upset if you only get to meet with staff Mix personal and professional agendas

Consider Hosting a Conservation Tour Plan tours during Congressional recess periods Send a written letter of invitation to lawmakers and staff, offering multiple dates Confirm the visit

Engage your local, state, and national conservation association representatives Invite local news media Invite local government officials Consult the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Legislative Affairs staff for guidance on current federal issues. (202)

Develop an agenda and a briefing on the issues Prepare handouts for the legislator and staff Take pictures of the legislator and staff throughout the tour. Send a note of thanks

Ideas for Effective Tours Visit local producers who have utilized the services of the conservation district Conduct a boat tour Showcase demonstration projects Coordinate walking tours highlighting Neighborhood conservation practices Sustainable forestry practices

Develop Relationships with Legislative Candidates Invitation to your conservation district’s board meeting. Invitation to your annual banquet Invitation to a conservation tour in their congressional district.

Minnesota’s Civic Engagement Training

Democracy is a work in progress. Will you sit on the sidelines or will you engage in our representative democracy?

Sources: Center on Congress at Indiana University National Association of Conservation Districts “The Resource,” Summer 2009, Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts University of Minnesota Extension