Takin’ It to the Streets: How to Talk to Your Legislator Rural Libraries Conference Spring 2009

My Experience with Advocacy 5 years at the Harrison Community Library – Assistant Director, then Director. 2 years as Director of the Northland Library Cooperative, then headquartered in Alpena. Academic library representative on MLA’s Legislative Committee (formerly Public Policy Committee)

Types of Advocacy An advocate is someone who supports or defends a particular cause. How advocacy activities may happen: Passive – “living by example.” Active – taking an official stance and making proactive attempts to advance your position. Reactionary – taking a stand on an issue under duress, or on short notice.

Get Informed Government is not “at a distance” – WE are the government. Watch the news, read the papers, read relevant websites and blogs. Talk with your colleagues. Talk with others at meetings and social events. Test your ideas – talk with others, including those whom you know may disagree with you.

Where’s your cheering squad? Don’t hesitate to turn to outside sources for assistance. Your colleagues – particularly in a small. community, you may want to work together. Your cooperative – staying abreast of legislative developments is part of the coop mission. Your library association: the Michigan Library Association (MLA) – works specifically as an advocate for libraries, and employs a lobbying firm to assist in this effort.

Make the “usual” visual Make your library visible to your legislators. Include them in your newsletter mailing list. Invite them to tour your library. Invite them to a board of trustees meeting. Invite them to events. Invite them to be a guest reader at storytime. Invite them to hold office hours and townhall meetings at your library.

Crafting Your Message Make it brief and to the point. Be sure your legislator knows that you are a member of his/her community. Thank your legislator for his/her past support (or at least for the good work they do for your community). Invite your legislator to contact you. Specifically ask for your legislator’s support.

Plan a Visit to the Capital Call ahead for an appointment. Bring ID with you – you may need this at the building entrance. Understand that you may have to wait even with an appointment – legislative schedules can change quickly. Bring printed examples with you if you think they will help. Be polite and concise in stating the reason for your visit.

Plan a Visit to the Capital Understand that you may talk with an aide rather than your legislator. Aides do a lot of important work for their legislator – some may be more knowledgeable about your issue than your legislator! Many aides run for office – you may be talking to your future legislator. Leave your contact information and offer to be a resource. Say thank you.

Establish a Connection Legislators are regular folks. Legislators don’t know everything – they rely on information from others to do their job. You may know your legislator personally, or know someone who does – use these connections. Get to know your legislator – know what interests him/her. Learn what committees s/he is on.

Establish a Connection Listen to your legislator – be on the lookout for connection points. Try to understand his/her point of view if s/he disagrees with you, but be sure to stick to your position. Your legislator needs to hear from all sides. Use personal examples. Be credible – avoid making statements or claims that you cannot prove or follow through.

In Conclusion Advocate for what you believe in! Get informed and organized. Keep your correspondence and conversations relevant and to the point. Make it personal. Keep at it! Say thank you.

Questions? Jennifer L.Dean Head, Collection Development & Acquisitions Saginaw Valley State University Melvin J. Zahnow Library