While any communication with policymakers can be helpful, a personalized statement is often more effective than a form letter. Consider the following when preparing your message:

  • Have your facts straight. Any error will undermine your credibility. You may need to do your own research to confirm details. Especially at the state and local level, media reports may not always adequately or accurately summarize policy proposals.
  • Engage in arguments with good faith. Do not assume that policymakers have made a firm decision about the question under consideration.
  • Consider what specific message and tone may be most appropriate for your audience. Your legislator may have a personal or professional connection to your issue, or serve on a relevant committee. Emphasize those connections in your message.
  • Legislators often find personal narratives and stories more persuasive than facts and evidence. Data tends to be much more effective at reinforcing representatives’ existing beliefs, while personal narratives about policy impacts on constituents have a greater chance of changing their position.
  • Use numbers and statistics strategically. Numbers can be powerful tools in messages and conversation with legislators, but don’t overwhelm them with statistics.
  • Share your values. Begin by articulating your values that your legislator will share or be sympathetic to, and then explain how what you are asking them to do aligns with those values. It may help to research your legislator to see what positions they have taken in the past, so you can be more precise in your values alignment.
  • Focus on one issue at a time. Stick to one framing for why that issue is important to you. You might think that expressing a broad spectrum of reasons would strengthen your case, but legislators will be less able to articulate why your issue is important.
  • Share one specific ask. Even if your focus is only one bill or policy, ask your legislator to take one particular action on it, like voting no or signing on to a statement.
  • Do not present counterarguments. Engaging with opposing narratives amplifies them and grants them legitimacy. You should advocate for your position on its own merits.
  • Relationships matter. Elected officials are more likely to listen to what you have to say if they already know who you are and why you are invested in history.