Influencing Legislators - DON'Ts

There are times when every citizen or business feels strongly enough about an issue that they feel it necessary to contact their legislators. Some issues may bring loads of mail and phone calls to a legislator's office while other issues may generate little or no contact. You should never underestimate the impact that taking time to make contact will have. After all, isn't it always the squeaky wheel that gets the oil?

If you feel strongly about an issue impacting your life, your business or your industry, take a moment to contact your legislator. Take a moment though to think through your communication and ensure it is effective. An ineffective communication is simply a waste of your time as well as that of your legislator's and/or his/her staff.

The following list will help remind you of things that you should not do in order to ensure effective communication.

  1. Confusion. Don't confuse the issues. Two or three points about a single issue are about as much as you should cover in a single letter, email or phone call. No more than two or three issues should be discussed during an office visit. Focus upon what is important and ensure the legislator clearly understands your priorities.
  2. Form Letters. Does it take any effort to complete a form letter or submit a form email? Such communications are not taken very seriously. One well articulated letter or phone call carries more weight than a wheelbarrow of form letters. Use your business letterhead (if you are the owner or otherwise have authorization to communicate using the weight of your company). Put the issue into your own words.
  3. Value. You and the time you take to personally communicate on an issue are valued. Do not sell yourself or your efforts short. Remember that when a legislator receives 5 to 10 personal communications on an issue, his or her staff sees that as a "red alert". Don't fail to enlist your family, friends and business colleagues in the communication effort on matters of importance to you. It will make a difference.
  4. Jargon. Your legislator and staff probably do not have the same background, education and understanding that you have concerning business issues. Don't use jargon that would require translation or create confusion. Keep it simple.
  5. Persistence. Don't drop the ball! A one time communication on an issue carries more weight than form letters. Repeat communication and follow up on an issue carries more weight than a handful of individual letters. Show your legislator that the issue really does matter.
  6. Identity. You and the votes you can deliver or dissuade matter. Your business or trade association isn't nearly as important as you are. Only people cast votes. Don't play up your organization and downplay your identity.
  7. Impropriety. Don't ever act in a manner that could give even a hint of impropriety. Campaign contributions and offers thereof should never be conducted during the same meeting, letter or phone call with a legislator. Such inappropriate behavior can taint your message, your honor and integrity, and that of the legislator. Well meaning actions may look sinester, inappropriate or even illegal in the eyes of others.
  8. Familiarity. Don't be a stranger! Take advantage of opportunities to listen, meet and greet your legislator during public events in your community. Communications will mean more when the legislator "knows" you. Don't fail to follow up with a brief letter- thank the legislator taking time to speak with you at the event and briefly reiterate your concern and position.
  9. Don't Lie. Anything less than full honesty will erode your credibility and affect your whole relationship with your lawmaker. No single issue is worth the loss of your integrity. If there are tough aspects or strong opposition to the position you're advocating, acknowledge that early and work on strategy with your lawmaker.
  10. Influence. Don't discount your influence. Your lawmaker and you need each other.