What can one person do? Plenty. Individuals working together can have a huge impact on the legislative process. Legislators respond to their constituents - they are elected to represent you. Your views on an issue can often have an impact.
You can be an advocate for your university. As a friend of your campus, you know the value of higher education. What better way to help the your alma mater than by telling your story to elected officials? It does not take much to communicate with your legislator, just an understanding of the issue you are speaking about and a bit of time to get in touch with them.
The Basics
Learn the process and issues
Familiarize yourself with the basic legislative process. Be prepared to explain the reason for the position or action for which you are advocating. While it is important to be informed, you are not expected to be an expert. If you are asked a question that you do not know the answer to, it is fine to say "I don't know, but I will find out and get back to you."
Keep it Simple
In today's world, we are able to make our voices heard in a moments notice. However you choose to contact your elected officials -letters, emails or phone calls - keep it simple:
- Be brief
- Be specific; identify your subject clearly, including the bill number and clearly state your position
- Be personal; describe how the issue affects your life
- Be reasonable; don't ask for the impossible
- Ask them to state their positions on the issue; you are entitled to know.
Tell the truth
You only get one shot at credibility. Do not stretch or embellish factual information.
Communicating with Elected Officials
Letters and Emails
Letters and emails are probably the most common way to communicate with your legislators. We recommend letters because they are more likely to be read - emails sometimes just get put into a stack. Whichever way you choose to communicate, written correspondence should include:
- State why you are writing and what you are asking the legislator to do.
- Give one or two critical points to explain your position on the issue
- Thank the legislator for their consideration
- Sign the letter, making sure that your name and address are on the letterhead/email
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Sample Letter
Jane Smith
4321 Main Street
Somewhere, NC 28888
December 10, 2003
The Honorable John Doe
North Carolina General Assembly
Legislative Building
Raleigh, NC 27601
Dear Senator Doe:
I am writing to urge you to vote for passage of SB 000, the higher education funding bill. As your constituent and as a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I am counting on your support.
This bill will provide needed funds to ensure that a quality education at a public university remains affordable in North Carolina. I was able to receive a degree at the University and I want my son to have that same opportunity.
Thank you for your consideration of this issue that is so important to me.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
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Telephone Calls
Using the telephone is a quick way to let your legislator know your opinion, and it is especially useful during busy legislative sessions when change can occur frequently and with little warning. Sometimes, however, legislators are difficult to reach personally, and you may be asked to speak with an aide. Regardless of whom you speak with, be prepared, concise, friendly, and appreciative.
- Identify yourself by name and address. If you are a constituent, say so.
- Identify the bill you want to talk about by name and number
- Briefly state what your position is and how you would like your legislator to vote
- Ask for your legislator's view on the bill or issue.
Not sure who your legislators are? Click here
How a Bill Becomes Law
Roadmap of the State Budget Process
