MeSHEC - Maine School Health Education Coalition

Advocacy
· Who can be an Advocate?
· Tips for Advocacy
· Communicating with legislators
 
· by letter
· by telephone
· by email
· Face-to-face
· What to do if
· Giving Testimony
· Public Speaking Tips
· Other Opportunities

 

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Tips for Advocacy

Phone calls

When making a phone call to a policy maker, start by saying your name and identifying your role (school health coordinator, teacher, parent, etc.)

State your opinion/concern/information/support in a succinct manner. Leave your phone number in case the person wishes to follow up the message or conversation. End your call with "Thank You."

Personal Visit

Send a letter, fax, or call requesting an appointment. Be sure you identify yourself, the nature of your visit, and the names of colleagues that may accompany you.

Once the appointment has been made (this may require a follow-up phone call), keep the following tips in mind:

· Arrive on time.
· Bring another colleague, if you wish. Be sure to decide who will be the spokesperson.
· Try to deliver your message in three minutes. Cover only one or two topics. Be concise, polite, and professional.
· Be prepared to answer questions.
· Offer to be a resource for the policy maker.
· Provide material to support your position – leave your business card with a one page fact sheet concerning the issue.
· Follow up with a thank you letter – be sure to include any additional information that may have been promised or requested.

 

 

MeSHEC - PO Box 2146 - Augusta, Maine - 04330