Today’s focus during Arts Advocacy Week is all about reaching your legislator. As such, you’ll want to learn some best practices when trying to set a meeting with, or simply contacting, your legislator. Here are ours:
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Logistics
First, know who your legislators are. Use our Action Center to find out who they are and how to reach them. Try and understand where an issue is in the legislative process. Reach out to us if you need help. If you need to borrow a Zoom Room, or need help with the logistics of a meeting, we’re happy to help as well. -
Put a face to a name.
Whether you’ve sent your first email to a legislator or not, it’s important to set a goal getting your legislator to know you beyond an email. Find a town hall, public meeting, or another public event where you know your legislator will be and introduce yourself! It’ll go a long way to building a rapport if your legislator knows they can expect to see you out and about, not just over an email or phone call. -
Intros
When you reach out to set a time to meet (virtually or in-person), be sure you introduce yourself – not just in terms of professional affiliation, but also personally. Let them know where you live in their district, your community involvement, etc. The same goes for you getting to know your legislator – learn more than just their positions on issues. Legislators are people too, folks. -
To the point.
When you introduce the issue at hand, or continue the conversation beyond the basics, keep it short but impactful. You want to provide a legislator with easy takeaways. Whether its over email or in-person, have some handouts that allow for a deeper dive, but keep the conversation focused on larger topics. -
Takeaways and One Big Thing
We lean on a unique structure on how we detail legislative issues. We focus on “One Big Thing”, and a couple of “Takeaways” (no more than 3 usually). Your “One Big Thing” is the primary message and justification for support. It’s the elevator pitch of your issue. Your legislator should be able to walk away with the One Big Thing on their mind, and be able to repeat it to their colleagues. Your “Takeaways” are a few more items that help color in the issue a little bit more. These are on your handouts, but also hopefully something your elected official can also recall. -
Be nice.
This should be self-explanatory, but in this political climate, it’s imperative to remember this. Legislators are people too. They have their own opinions and views on government. You need to approach every interaction with legislators from a place of mutual respect, even if you think you’re going to disagree. It will go a long way in forming a positive and useful relationship over the long run.
