How To Contact Your Legislator

When calling your Legislator be sure to include: Your name The district you live in/work Any affiliations The issue you are presenting How the issue affects you or the individuals you

work with Your stand on the issue and its reasoning What you would like your legislator to do

Continued…

Ask what the legislator’s position is Ask if you can leave your name and

address Be sure to thank them for their time

Meeting with your Legislator Begin by introducing yourself and tell them

you are a constituent from their district State the issue you are addressing Use examples from your experience Before leaving make a request for action (to

support or oppose the bill)

Talking to your Legislator

If they disagree with you, be sure to remain polite and thank them for listening.

If they ask questions you cannot answer, be honest, tell them you’ll find out and get back to them

Tips For Writing Effective Letters

Short Specific Discuss only ONE bill or issue per letter Put your letter in your own words, avoid abbreviations &

jargon Tell why you are interested in the topic Tell how the issue affects you or your family personally Invite the legislator to respond to you, be sure to include

name, address, phone number, and email Thank your legislator

SAMPLE

Honorable Woolworth B. LambSenatorWest Virginia SenateState Capitol BuildingCharleston, WV 25305

Dear Senator Lamb:

I am one of your constituents. I am a (4-H’er, CEOS, Master Gardener, Union Member).

I am writing to you because our country needs more WVU Extension agents.

WVU Extension is important to because……..

I hope you will be supportive of higher education and WVU

Extension in the upcoming session by……

Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Mary Jones

Mary Jones123 Farm WayEggland WV

January XX, 2004

ALWAYS: Be one time Come prepared Keep in mind you know the topic, explain

the issue as if you are talking to someone without any knowledge of the area.

Be brief

Follow up:

Leave a short written summary of your position.

Write them a thank you and a summary of your position again.

Continue to keep in contact with your legislator throughout the year.