Unitarian
Universalist
Affordable
Housing
Partnership

Contact the legislators who can vote for the changes we desire! Policymakers need to know what their constituencies want and which issues are important to cast votes for or against. It is our civic duty to share our concerns with policymakers.

Contact methods
1. In person (Best)
2. Letter
3. Telephone (leaving a message is fine)
4. Electronically

Stay informed on all sides of the issue by reading newspapers and journals
whenever possible. Know what viewpoints are circulating and be prepared
to answer those concerns in support of your cause.

Tips to affect change:
· Stick to 1 issue - it's better to make additional calls for other concerns
· Keep communications short and to-the-point
· Work with the policymaker's staff - they can relay messages and open doors
· Be persistent
· Get to know policymakers on a first-name basis

Communicate your point effectively
· Be positive
· Never launch a personal attack
· Do not argue - state position calmly and back it up
· Be confident: don't be afraid, but be cautious
· Be prepared to counter opposition with facts
· Personalize - be concrete, give specific examples
· Speak from the heart
· Explain the benefits to the community rather than taking a blaming/shaming approach

Personal contacts are the most effective [better yet, get the policymaker
on your own turf, if possible]
· Provide resources [written materials summarizing points and with background on your organization or issue]
· Put the policymaker on your mailing list for newsletters, special events, etc
· Send a Thank You note and restate your request

It won't all be accomplished overnight…think long term!