Workgroup: Engaging Elected Officials

Mission Statement

To inform our members of the national, state, and local concerns of our elected officials in the fight against the erosion of our democratic rights and values.
To encourage our members to use this information to contact their elected officials to advocate for their concerns.
To inform members how to effectively communicate with elected officials.

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Recommendations on how to be an effective advocate.

Identify yourself as a constituent including your full name and address so they know you are in their district. Out-of-district communications are usually ignored.
Focus on a single issue and identify any relevant bill by its number (e.g., H.R. 123 or S. B. 456) or by its popular name. Maryland legislative bills can be followed here. mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/.
- - Federal bills can be found here. www.congress.gov/legislation
Keep it brief, ideally one page or less, as the letter will likely be read and summarized by a legislative aide. We are told that form letters rarely make an impact.
State your position clearly (e.g., "I urge you to support/oppose...") and provide no more than three main supporting points.
Make it personal by explaining how the issue affects you, your family, and/or your community. Personal stories are often more persuasive than general facts alone.
Include a request specifying exactly what you want the official to do (e.g., vote a certain way, co-sponsor a bill, attend an event).
Include your contact information (address, email, phone number) and ask for a response if you would like one.
Use proper titles in your salutation (e.g., "Dear Senator [Last name]:" or "Dear Representative [Last name]:").
You may want to follow up with a thank-you if they vote your way, or a respectful expression of disappointment if they do not.

Make your case in person with a one-on-one conversation at a political event or a community meeting. Identify yourself as a constituent and keep it brief. Explain how you or those in your community are impacted by a particular situation, and offer your point of view. Express your appreciation for their efforts.
You can testify for bills or visit officials at their legislative offices by appointment or sometimes by stopping in. You may be meeting with staff and should be equally respectful. Legislative staff members have a lot of influence.
Make it personal and specific. Choose one or two areas you are passionate about related to a specific legislative action. The personal stories are what make an impact.
Bring it back to their district or Maryland. Whatever the issue is, ensure it ties back to where they have influence.

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