Take Action: Contact Legislators

The responsibility of your elected officials is to represent your interests - but they cannot do that unless they hear from you. Find out who your state legislators are and get their contact information.

The most effective way to advocate for an issue is to meet with an elected official in person. Here are some helpful tips to read over before you meet with your legislator. Of course, you can also contact them via phone, letter and e-mail.

10 Tips for Speaking with Legislators

  1. Research your legislator's history. Before you arrive, know his/her position on issues related to the ones you plan to discuss. Try to ascertain his/her voting record. If the legislator has been good on the issue, always start out by thanking him/her for past support.
  2. Develop a strategy for the meeting. Decide who will speak, for how long, and on what issues. Don't feel intimidated; you hire your legislators with your vote and pay them with your taxes.
  3. Focus on what you want your legislator to do. For example, will s/he talk to the Speaker of the House or Senate Majority Leader? Will s/he ask the Committee chair to put the bill on an agenda? Will s/he co-sponsor a bill?
  4. Bring local data to support your arguments (data relevant to the legislator's district and key constituencies) if they are available.
  5. Personalize your story. Talk about an incident that makes the issue more compelling.
  6. Listen carefully. Politicians tend to speak generally - don't let them. Try to politely draw out specific answers to specific questions.
  7. Don't be afraid to admit ignorance on specific points. Say you will do your best to get the answer and will report back.
  8. Immediately after the meeting, make notes on what was discussed and what the legislator agreed to do. Record the names of staff members who are present or who are introduced to you. Please let CARE for Youth know if they request any additional information.
  9. Follow-up on the meeting with a thank you letter that summarizes your understanding of what the legislator agreed to do. Let him/her know you are available to be helpful. Ask to meet them in their districts to follow-up.
  10. Send separate notes to the staff member(s) you met, and make a point to keep in contact with them. Follow-up is key!