The document provides tips for effective communication with legislators and policymakers from surveys of legislators and members of the governor's executive cabinet. The surveys found that constituents should keep communications short and simple, be polite and respectful, and have their facts and talking points prepared. Constituents were also advised to give advance notice if requesting meetings and to provide concise written statements about how specific bills would personally impact them. Avoiding spam and being pestering were also highlighted. When communicating with agency directors, constituents should be honest, accurate, respectful, thorough, and clear while keeping the broader perspective in mind.
Effectively Communicating with Legislators and Key Policy Makers: Tips from the Inside
1. Brian Dirks Communications Director, Office of Lt. Governor Nov. 2, 2011 Effectively Communicating with Legislators and Key Policy Makers: Tips from the Inside
2. Office of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen First, some examples of ineffectiveness!!
6. Office of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen Communications: What do legislators prefer?
7. Office of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen Question: In general, what tips do you have for a constituent, organization, or issue advocate for effective communication with legislators?
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9. Office of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen And the survey said .. NO SPAM (unless it is personalized from each constituent’s point of view)
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11. Office of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen And the survey said .. “ It is very helpful for constituents, organizations or issue advocates to prepare a concise written statement identifying why they oppose/support a particular bill and specific examples of how the constituent or the organization will be personally affected by a particular bill/issue, along with the specific problem(s) or issue(s) that a legislation seeks to address.”
12. Office of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen And the survey said .. “ Don't be a pest. If you have sent us information and we haven't gotten back to you right away, it may be because we are trying to get an answer for you, before we respond. (Pests get moved to the bottom of the pile!)”
13. Office of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen Tips from the Governor’s Executive Cabinet (State agency directors) Question: In general, what tips do you have for a constituent, organization, or issue advocate for effective communication with agency directors and cabinet members?
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17. Office of Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen Our Panelists Senator Karen Fraser Nova Gattman Dan Youmans
