Archive for September 2017

Checklist for Writing a Letter Four Keys Be brief. Be legible. Be polite. Be timely. Strategy Write the right legislator at the right time. You want your letter to reach a decision-maker right before they vote on the issue. Responding quickly to organizational alerts is crucial. Dos and Don’ts Do keep your letter to a…

Writing an Effective Letter to the Editor Do:  Respond directly to a recent article, editorial, letter, or local event. Be sure to reference the publication date and title of the article. Focus on a single issue. Keep it brief. Stick to the publication’s word limit, usually 250 max, often less. Use verified facts. Start with…

Checklist for A Meeting  Four Keys Be Prepared Be Respectful Stay on Topic Leave Behind a Written Summary Strategy Schedule brief meetings right before key actions. Schedule longer, in-depth meetings during interim. After social pleasantries, get right to the topic. Make your case. Ask politely for action. Listen to the reply and state what you…

Checklist for Phone Calls  Four Keys Be brief. Be timely. Rehearse. Be prepared to leave a one-sentence message. Strategy If you cannot say what you need to say within three minutes, write a letter. Dos and Don’ts Do make notes and practice what you want to say. Do identify yourself. Do use bill numbers if…

Two Keys Access—Your ability to talk to a legislator as someone you know. Credibility—Your believability on the subject you are discussing. Strategy Gain Access, Protect Credibility If you don’t have access you can’t gain credibility. If you lose credibility, you will lose access. Get to know your legislator. It may take time, but begin now.…