Advocacy Tips

Here are some general guidelines to consider before contacting your legislator. They are taken from an Assembly publication titled “Welcome to the Wisconsin State Assembly.” You can also view the entire 16-page document.

1) Contact your own legislator as well as the chairperson and members of the appropriate committee. It is important that committee members receive your opinion while they are holding hearings on legislation in which you are interested.

2) Put your return address on the letter. The envelope sometimes gets thrown away before the letter is answered. If you are Emailing a message, include your full name and address.

3) Identify your subject clearly. If you are writing about a specific piece of legislation, provide the name or number of the bill, if possible.

4) State your reasons clearly. Your own personal experience is the best supporting evidence. Explain how the issue affects you, your family, or your community. Be specific and brief (one page is best). Clearly state whether you are for or against the bill or resolution. Support your position with reliable facts and figures.

5) Write your letter in your own words. Avoid “form” letters which identify your message as part of an organized pressure campaign. These have little impact. A sincere, heartfelt letter expressing your concerns is much more influential.

6) Be reasonable. Don’t ask for the impossible or engage in threats. Courtesy is always appropriate - if you disagree, do so without being disagreeable.

7) Time the arrival of your contact. Your phone call, letter or E-Mail should reach your legislator BEFORE legislation is acted upon in a committee or on the Assembly floor. Usually it is best to offer comments on legislation while it is still in committee.

8) Ask your legislator for his or her position in a response. As a constituent, you are entitled to know.

9) Thank your legislator if he or she has done something you think is right on a particular issue. Everyone likes a pat on the back, and it will be remembered.