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Good advocates are patient and persistent. You are the expert – your credibility is key. Build relationships with your legislators. Here is how:

Do:

• Do your homework – know our district, the issues and your legislators.
• Develop a relationship – become an informed and trusted resource.
• Treat legislators with the same dignity and respect you would expect for yourself.
• Work with legislative staff.
• Develop strong grassroots support. The more people – the greater the impact.

Don’t:

• Don’t be late.
• Don’t be rude, offensive or argumentative.
• Don’t give ultimatums. If a legislator does not support your issue, thank him or her and move on.
• Don’t expect to change a legislator’s mind immediately – remember – patience and persistence.
• Don’t give incorrect information. (Admit you do not know and offer to find out.)

Phone:
Phone calls are most effective when time is of the essence, i.e., a bill is up for a vote in committee. Phone calls can also be used immediately following a favorable vote to extend your appreciation.

• Ask to speak with the legislator – if not possible spend time with staff.
• Clearly identify yourself – be sure to say you are a constituent when calling your representative.
• If you have met before – a reminder may be necessary. This can also help to lead into the reason for the call.
• Be specific for reason for call. Identify a specific bill if possible. Limit your call to one or two issues at a time.
• Briefly state your position and as for your legislator’s vote.
• Ask your legislator’s position on the issue or bill.
• Offer to provide more information to help your legislator to make an informed decision.
• Offer to follow-up if your legislator is unsure of his or her position at the time of call.

Letter/Fax/Email:
Bleeding disorders are complicated. Putting your thoughts in writing will allow your legislator to learn more about access issues before responding.

• Include your mailing address and phone number on all correspondence – the legislator can contact you with questions or for further information.
• Avoid using postcards.
• Keep letters to one issue, short and to the point. Refer to the issue specifically or a bill number if possible.
• Clearly state what you want the legislator to do – support a bill in committee, oppose a bill on the floor, offer an amendment.
• Offer specific information on why the issue is important.
• Timing is critical – one or two days before a vote is taken is generally best.
• Ask that the legislator to state his or her position in the reply.
• Don’t forget to follow-up with calls, letters and visits with a thank you note.

Visit:
Visits are important on key issues when your legislators’ votes really count. Visits are also important when educating legislators on bleeding disorders. Visits also serve to establish you as a source of information.

• Call your legislators’ offices or send an email requesting a meeting. Let them know what you wish to speak to them about, and offer two or three alternative times you are available.
• Always address legislators as “Representative” or “Senator.”
• Be prompt, patient and flexible. It is not uncommon for a legislator to be late or to have an interruption during a meeting.
• Be prepared. Do your homework and practice what you want to say.
• Be responsive. Be prepared to answer questions.
• Have something in writing to leave behind – preferably a one-page (front and back) fact sheet with information on your issue and position.
• Always thank legislators for their time and express interest in keeping in touch – even when they disagree with your position.