LOBBYING YOUR LEGISLATOR

Personal Visits Ÿ Personal Calls Ÿ Letters Ÿ Using the Media

 

LOBBYING BY PERSONAL VISIT

 

One of the most effective ways to lobby legislators is in face-to-face visits with them.  It's difficult to predict a legislator's availability when the Legislature is in session, however, if legislators know that their constituents have traveled to Salem, they will generally try to see them.  It is always best to call first and make an appointment.  Contact both your Representative and your Senator.  Here are some suggestions for your visit:

 

  1. Be on time for your appointment.  Don't expect legislators to be on time; they often have hearings or meetings they cannot anticipate and cannot leave.

 

  1. Before the appointment, practice a three-minute statement with the information you want to present.  This will help you be concise about what you want and why you want it.

 

  1. It is usually best to visit your legislators in a small group.  Three people is optimum.  Never plan on staying more than 10 to 15 minutes.  Going alone may be unsatisfactory because legislators may try to out-talk you or you may reach an impasse too quickly.

 

  1. If you are a constituent, begin by telling the legislator that.  Let your legislator know if you are working with others on the issue, if you are active in the community, or if you are representing members of an organization.

 

  1. Present the legislator with a Fact Sheet and a copy of the bill you are addressing.  Include amendments if any are being proposed.  Remember that your issue is probably one of dozens of issues he/she has to deal with.  The information you provide to the legislator will go into a bill file and will be available for reference at a later time.

 

  1. Talk to legislative staff, preferably the Legislative Assistant, and present the same information and materials.  Establishing a relationship with key staff is very important.  They typically have the ear and the confidence of the legislator and are most likely going to be doing most of the legwork on the issue.  They are also more accessible to you on an on-going basis.

 

  1. Be clear about what your position is and what you would like your legislators to do.  Identify your bill by name and number whenever possible.  Give the legislators some key words.  "This is about Patient Protections, protecting access and quality for people enrolled in managed care."

 

  1. Be firm but courteous as you express your position.  Do not try to force your legislators into changing their minds or committing themselves when they don't want to, but it's fair to ask them how they stand on the issue.

 

  1. Follow up your visit with a thank-you letter.  Use it to restate your position.

 

 

LOBBYING BY TELEPHONE

 

When the Legislature is in session, you can call your legislators in Salem at the toll-free 1-800-332-2313.  The Salem local number is 503-986-1187 or you can find the office number listed in the Legislative Directory.  Here are recommendations for making calls to your legislators:

 

  1. Identify yourself by name and address.

 

  1. Identify the bill you want to talk about by name and number.

 

  1. Briefly state your position and how you would like your legislator to vote.

 

  1. Ask for your legislator's view on the bill or issue; then ask for a commitment to vote for your position.  Don't argue if the legislator takes a position against yours or is unwilling to take a stand.

 

  1. Supply requested information as quickly as possible.  The legislature moves rapidly during the session.

 

  1. If you cannot speak to your legislator directly, talk to a secretary or legislative aide.  Identify yourself, the bill you want to talk about by name and number, and state how you would like your legislator to vote.  Legislators' staff are very reliable and will tell the legislator that you called and what you said.

 

  1. Follow up the call with a note, thanking them for their time.  Use the note as an opportunity to briefly restate your position.

 

LOBBYING BY LETTER

 

Letters are important, even critical, to influence legislation.  Letters to the writer's own Senator and Representative are especially important.  Here are some guidelines to follow in writing effective letters:

 

  1. Address the letter correctly.

Senator (name)                                                Representative (name)

Oregon Senate                                                Oregon House of Representatives

State Capitol                                                State Capitol

Salem, OR  97310                                    Salem, OR  97310

            When the Legislature is not in session, it is best to send letters to the legislator's home address.

 

  1. Clearly identify the issue about which you are writing and your position in support or in opposition at the beginning of the letter.  Be sure to include the bill number, if there is one.

 

  1. Write in your own words and include thoughts of your own.  Tell how the problem and the proposed legislation affects you.

 

  1. If you are a member of an organization, which is pursuing the issue, include the organization's name.  "I'm a member of the Campaign for Patients' Rights."

 

  1. Show as much knowledge as you can, but avoid sending a postcard or form letter.  Handwritten letters are fine if they are legible.  Include your name and return address so legislators can respond.

 

  1. Write briefly on only one subject at a time.

 

  1. If you live in the legislator's district, be sure to say so.

 

  1. Ask for a response and the legislator's position on the issue.

 

  1. If you don't get a reply to your letter, follow it up with another letter asking for a response.

 

  1. When a legislator votes as you asked, send a thank-you note.  A thank-you note is a refreshing change that is likely to be remembered.

 

USING THE MEDIA TO LOBBY

 

Keeping your issue or bill in the local or statewide news demonstrates public concern and support.  Media coverage can mean the difference between victory and defeat for a bill.  Remember, you are speaking to the public and to legislators when you are dealing with the media.  Several kinds of media coverage should be considered:

 

  1. Letters to the editor can accomplish four objectives:  alert the community that the issue is before the Legislature; persuade readers to your position; demonstrate that there are responsible and articulate people who agree with your position; and enlist others to engage in lobbying.

 

  1. Submit an article to your newspaper's opinion and editorial page.

 

  1. Local radio and television talk shows.  Make sure that your position is well represented in all call-in radio programs.  Cajole the stations into scheduling a program on the issue and then provide an articulate spokesperson.

 

  1. If a radio or television station takes an editorial position with which you disagree, ask for equal time - a requirement by law that all opposing viewpoints be aired through editorial replies.

 

  1. Try to influence the editorial position of media outlets by writing to editors and columnists of local press and managers of local stations.  You can also request, as part of a larger group, a meeting with your local paper's editorial board.  Legislators are particularly sensitive to the editorial comments of their local media.

 

Adapted from the Oregon Human Services Coalition Legislative Advocacy Packet by

The Oregon Health Action Campaign

3896 Beverly Avenue NE, Bldg. J, Suite 6

Salem, OR  97305

(503) 581-6830     1-800-789-1599

 

Return to Home