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Strongly agrees with your position:
| · |
Thank them. |
| · |
Ask them to take a leadership role in the legislature,
the media and/or the community. |
| · |
It is appropriate to ask for any of the following: an
agreement to write an article for a newsletter, signature
on a petition or letter of support, public use of legislator’s
name, sponsorship of a bill, agreement to offer amendments
to legislation, speeches at public forums, and agreement
to vote for or against a resolution. |
| · |
Ask their advice about other supporters and what arguments
best make the case for the bill. |
| · |
Ask what information or people would be helpful in swaying
additional legislators to your position. Then work to
produce this information and these advocates. |
| · |
Ask them to "lobby " undecided legislators. |
| · |
Thank them again. |
Agrees with your position:
| · |
Thank them. |
| · |
Assure them of your continued interest in the issue and
your continued support for their position. |
| · |
Ask if they would be willing to help in any way beyond
their vote. If yes, refer to the tips above. |
| · |
Thank them again. |
Is undecided or noncommittal:
| · |
Inform them of your interest in the issue
or legislation. |
| · |
Present the case clearly and concisely. If possible, have
constituents and/or teens make the presentation. |
| · |
Ask about their viewpoint to investigate whether their
position results from personal or political factors, a
lack of information, misinformation or a combination.
Adjust your strategy accordingly. |
| · |
Ask if there are specific groups or individuals from whom
they would like to hear. |
| · |
Offer to provide information that will help inform them
about the issue. |
| · |
Follow up by providing information they requested or information
addressing their reservations. |
| · |
Once they have indicated a position, thank them for their
support or send a letter stating your disappointment in
their position. |
| · |
Keep in touch to nurture the relationship. |
Is opposed to your position:
| · |
Thank the legislator for the opportunity to
discuss your views. |
| · |
Determine how strong their opposition is and upon what
it is based. If the opposition is not vehement, it may
be worth trying to change the legislator’s position. |
| · |
If the legislator may change his or her mind, present
information that addresses his or her concerns. Make sure
that the legislator hears from constituents who support
your position. Strategize and present the case most likely
to resonate with this particular legislator. Stay in touch
to nurture the relationship with the legislator. |
| · |
If the legislator is not movable, ask them not to lobby
their colleagues on the issue. With a close vote, where
you cannot win unless the legislator cooperates, ask them
to "walk " (be absent) when the vote occurs. |
| · |
If the legislator’s opposition is strong, write
and express your disappointment in their position (and/or
their vote). Don’t waste your time and energy trying
to move them. |
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