Take Action: Contact Your Legislators

You've learned what health education is and why it is so important; we need you to spread the word to the people that can make it happen-like your state senator and state representative, also known as legislators.

Legislators are the elected officials that citizens of Massachusetts vote into office. Their job is to make sure that your concerns and ideas —(yes yours!)— are heard. But legislators can't represent you if they don't hear from you. If you feel that health education is important and is a program that can help students all over Massachusetts, your legislators are going to want to know that. This means that you need to contact them and tell them why the Health Education Bill is something they should support. Find out who your state legislators are and get their contact information.

The best way to tell your legislators that you want them to support health education is to meet with them in person. It might sound a little scary, but if you read over the tips below, you will feel prepared. If you can't meet with your legislator, don't worry—you can always contact them with a phone call or by writing them a letter.

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 figure out 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 information about your school to support your arguments.
  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!