Advocate's Toolbox

Golden Rules for Advocates When Dealing with Elected Officials

• Vote early, vote often. The earlier you involve yourself in the process, the better the outcome will be.
• Don’t look down on government and politics. Whatever affects your business IS your business, even if it is politics.
• Be understanding. Put yourself in the legislator’s place.
• You are a resource. Legislators have limited time, staff, and interest on any issue. They can’t be as informed as they might like on all issues – or the ones that concern you. You can fill the information gap.
• Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Public officials will tell you that they get dozens of letters asking them to do something, but very few thank them for what they have done.
• Make the legislator aware of any personal connection you may have. No matter how insignificant you may feel it is, if you have friends, relatives, and/or colleges in common: LET THEM KNOW, it could make the difference.
• Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something. If a legislator wants information you don’t have or asks something you don’t know, tell them you don’t know and then offer to get the information they are looking for. BE SURE TO FOLLOW THROUGH.
• Be specific about what it is you are asking for. If you want a vote, information, answers to a question - whatever it is – make sure you ask for it directly and get an answer.
• Don’t be a busybody. You don’t like to be scolded, pestered or preached to, neither do public officials
• Don’t burn any bridges. It is very easy to get very emotional over issues you feel very strongly about. Remember, your strongest opposition on one issue may be your strongest ally on another.