1. How to get your MP to work for you

2. It may seem intimidating to contact them or make requests of them, but this is why their job exists!! Research your issue  Do your background research, and make sure your issue is something your MP can help you with. If your issue falls under another level of responsibility – such as the provincial or municipal government, or a band council – much of this advice still applies, but you need to check who holds the power and go to the right person. Creep them on Facebook or Twitter  Seriously. Understanding their stance on different issues and what they’re up to will set you up to find your common ground.

3. Break out the pen and paper  Write your MP a letter and tell them what you think. A hand- written, personal letter has a much higher chance of being read. Hand-written letters demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to think about your issue and that you cared enough to write it the old-fashioned way. For every hand-written letter an MP receives, they assume 1,000 more people think just like you. Meet-Up:  Call up the constituency office or walk on down there in person and ask to arrange a meeting with the MP. Do your homework and be prepared, and don’t be intimidated. At the end of the day, your MP will have a face to put to your name and a more personal connection to your issue. No tweet can beat that.

4. Start a Petition  Showing your MP just how many voices agree with you will add weight to everything you’ve done so far. You can pound the pavement with clipboard in hand or, these days, set up your petition online and watch it go viral. Be careful to structure your petition correctly. A proper petition needs only 25 signatures, seriously only 25, and your MP will be required to respond