For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. - Philippians 2:13

Lobbying Your Legislator

CLR Staff

Not sure how to lobby your legislator? Just follow these basic strategies to advocate your position to your elected official:

Before Meeting Your Legislator

Make an appointment in advance of your meeting
Tell the scheduler the reason for your visit -- why you are visiting and what issue you wish to discuss
Study and understand the issue
Bring constituents, if possible (focus on your district only)

During Meeting with Legislator

Introduce yourself
State your case calmly and firmly
Be brief (stick to the issue)
Provide details in easy-to-understand terms (use handout)
Be respectful

Do's in Lobbying Your Legislator

Do look for areas of agreement and opportunity
Do ask for support but don't go overboard

Don'ts in Lobbying Your Legislator

Don't just show up with a pop-in visit
Don't expect the lawmaker to be an instant expert on the issues
Don't get too technical
Don't use the "This will only take a few minutes" approach
Don't have an attitude
Don't be confrontational

After Lobbying Your Legislator

Follow up with a thank-you letter, card or phone call

Other Lobbying Tools

Glossary of Congressional Terms
List of State Legislature Websites:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Utah
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Article Shortcut: http://www.christianliferesources.com?8040

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