Communicating Effectively with Elected Officials Jack Critcher, Legislative Liason Arkansas Municipal League September 30, 2014-Eureka Springs 1

Elected Officials need to know what their constituents think  Since they work for you, they need to know how you feel about the issues and what you want done on specific legislation.  Do not underestimate the power of your voice or the voice of others.  Your efforts in contacting your elected officials do make a difference. 2

Useful Tips for Writing Elected Officials  Time is of the essence when contacting your elected official.  and fax are efficient ways to reach your lawmakers in a timely manner, but if you prefer to mail your correspondence, make sure to allow time for it to reach your lawmaker before commitments on issues have been made. It may be weeks or months due to security measures adopted after the 911 and anthrax attacks.  Brevity is important! You don’t need to write an essay for it to make an impact. The shorter your message, the more likely your lawmaker will read it personally.  If you are providing outside information or materials, make sure it is concise and from a reliable source. 3

Useful Tips for Calling Elected Officials  You may ask for the elected official, but expect to leave a brief message with an assistant.  When leaving a message, make sure you let them know who you are (include your contact information), what issue you are concerned about, and specifically what you are asking of them. Ideally, these will be one sentence each.  Indicate if you would like a response from the elected official.  Again, make sure you leave your contact information. 4

Useful Tips for Visiting Elected Officials  Be sure to make an appointment in advance and provide a list of who will be present with you.  Be on time! You don’t want to keep your elected officials waiting.  Stay on topic and avoid small talk. You’ll want to get down to business as soon as you can to make the most of the time with your elected officials.  Bring concise, reliable information to your lawmakers. You don’t want to overload them with information they won’t read. 5

General Tips  Be calm, reasonable, respectful, and politely firm. Threats and open antagonism won’t work.  Know your elected official’s voting record on life issues and their political history.  Indicate if you would like a response from the elected official and always include your return address, or other contact information.  Establish a relationship with your elected officials.  Thank your elected officials. 6

When should I contact an Elected Official?  When you feel strongly about a subject of which the outcome will be decided or influenced by the elected official. 7

Who to Contact? (and why is this listed last, instead of first?)  Federal; or  State; or  Local. 8

Contact Jack  Jack Critcher – Arkansas Municipal League  Direct Line: (501)  Jack Critcher P.O. Box 38 North Little Rock, AR