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Tips on Advocating
Tips on Advocating
How can I take action on legislation?
1. Form a relationship with your representatives and senators by calling, emailing, and scheduling meetings to tell them about how their decisions on the budget and laws affect the quality of life for you and your family. TIP: Even brief messages matter! Legislators often tally the contacts they receive on issues.
2. Stay informed about fast-moving bills and proposals. Sign up to receive updates from trusted organizations.
3. Focus your efforts on key issues such as Medicaid services, ensuring that K-12 proposals support inclusive education practices, or waiver program policies. TIP: Introducing yourself as a parent sets you apart from professionals and lobbyists.
How can I contact my state representative or senator?
Every member has an email address and an office phone number at the statehouse. The most effective ways to communicate are by personal contacts: emails, phone calls or face-to-face meetings. Legislators prefer to hear from their own constituents directly and may not pay attention to mass emails or form letters. Information about legislators is available at: https://iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators
Ways to Work with Legislators
Partner with a legislator to craft a bill
Schedule a one-on-one meeting
Write a letter, email, or phone a legislator
Email, phone and letter writing campaigns
Work with someone who know the legislator
Speak at a committee meeting
Create fact sheets and talking points
Do not just speak to existing allies
Advocacy “Do-Nots”
Do not assume their knowledge of the bill
Do not go in with a hostile attitude
Do not engage in partisan politics
Do not overstate your knowledge or “guess”
Do not make false promises
Do not argue moral issues or “right and wrong”
Do not reinforce stereotypes of your field or others
Do not forget manners or overuse your time
Meeting with your Legislator
Meeting with your Legislator
One-on-One Legislator Meetings
Locate your legislator at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/ and call or email to make an appointment.
Try meeting with your legislator outside of session when possible, they often have less on their schedule and more time for you. This also avoids the chance of presenting an issue to them too late to prepare legislation.
At your legislator meeting:
Be prepared and remember your expertise.
Have a goal in mind for the meeting / relationship.
Offer your assistance and always follow-upon on your promises.
Remember your interpersonal skills:
Working with adversarial persons
Affirming positive intentions
Finding common ground
Building long-term relationships
Addressing misconceptions tactfully
Unplanned Statehouse Meetings
It is possible, although not guaranteed, to meet your legislator without having made an appointment first.
On either side of the house and senate chamber on the 3rd floor are desks for each party with a staff person there to help you.
Let the staff person know which legislator you are trying to speak to and fill out the short form they have for you.
Be prepared to wait at least 15-20 minutes for the legislator.
Have no more than 2-3 quick points ready, ideally with a more detailed informational handout to provide.
Do not expect to meet for more than 2-3 minutes, likely in the hallway, and show your gratitude for them finding the time.
Testifying at the Statehouse
Testifying at the Statehouse
Testifying in a Committee
Check when the committee meeting is, if the bill you are interested in is being heard, and if they are taking testimony. A bill scheduled for “Amend and Vote Only” will not have testimony taken.
Before testifying, research the committee and either attend a meeting in person or watch past meetings online at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2020/committees/
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to all committee meetings or there will most likely be no seating room left.
Fill out committee testimony card, available in the committee room, and turn it in so they know you want to testify.
Draft your comments in advance; never ramble or get off topic.
Keep to two or three concise points; 5 minutes max if possible. Testimony time may be further limited by the committee chair.
Coordinate with other speakers; build a team to make your case
Use credible facts, direct experience & testimonies.
Specifically voice whether you oppose the legislation, support, or support with concerns.
Offer to help the bill’s author or stakeholders if appropriate.
Wait for questions after you finish speaking and stay for the rest of the committee if at all possible. Questions may arise as the meeting unfolds.
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