EIPCa continues to urge you to visit your legislators in person in their local office. That’s because it’s the best way to influence them.  

If that sounds scary or intimidating, here’s some great advice:

• Go with a friend, or two…
  • No more than three others – you are not there to overwhelm but to communicate.
• Have an agenda
  • Know what you want to discuss and limit yourself to no more than TWO topics per visit.
  • Be well informed.
    • If discussing a bill, read it thoroughly and understand it.
    • Read and digest EIPCa’s letter on the bill, and take a copy to leave behind.
    • Take a printed copy of the bill with you in case your legislator has not read it, or at least not thoroughly.
    • Be prepared to offer short, clear points about the pros/cons of the bill in order to quickly educate your legislator about your point of view.
• Listen
  • Express your point of view respectfully and knowledgeably.
  • Be willing to listen respectfully and thoughtfully to your legislator’s opposing perspective.
  • Attempt to understand perspectives offered and politely respond with helpful information that might further the discussion and lead to shifts of opinion.
• Accept
  • You may not completely win your legislator over to your point of view.
  • Two-way communication is the key to keeping the door open to future meetings.
• Return
  • Let your representative know you’ll be back again, and then keep that promise.
  • You’ll be most effective if you are a frequent fixture in the office.
• Goals
  • Reach a point where you are on a first name basis and you have each other’s cell phone numbers.
  • Be sure your legislator knows you’re paying attention and expect accountability.
• Debrief
  • Go for coffee or lunch with your friend(s) after a meeting.
  • Discuss what went well and what did not. Discuss how to improve next time.
• Follow up
  • Write a note or email to your legislator after every meeting.
    • Express gratitude for the time.
    • Review major points and expectations.
    • Indicate your eagerness to meet again soon to follow up on the topics discussed as well as future bills and other concerns.
• Remember
  • You are not going to confront or attack.
  • You are going because you are a citizen who is an active member of We the People working to Keep the Republic.
  • As citizens involved in self-governance, it is crucial that we work together to fulfill our civic responsibility to not only elect but guide and supervise our representatives.
• Comport yourself with dignity, kindness, grace and respect AT ALL TIMES.
  • You will make a greater difference showing respect than showing defiance.
  • You will keep the lines of communication open.

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Lions and Tigers and Legislators 6.7.23 ©Election Integrity Project®California, Inc. copyrighted 2023