Working with Government Officials

1
Working with Government Officials

• Empowering you as strong leaders for soil and
  water conservation.

2
What Youll Learn In this Module

• Why it is essential to maintain good legislative
  relationships.
• Why positive messages are key when communicating
  with legislators.
• What are the elements of an effective letter or
  e-mail message when writing to legislators.

3
Discussion Questions

• What does it mean to be positive when dealing
  with legislators?
• Why is credibility so important when dealing with
  legislators?
• How would you write a good letter to a
  legislator?

4
Influencing the Legislative Process

• Understanding your role as a local Government
  Official.
•   
• Districts are directly affected by actions of
  federal, state, and local legislators.
• Elected officials react to what they read, hear,
  and with whom they speak.

5
Building Effective Relationships

• Be informed of issues affecting their District
  and its goals.
• Know their elected representatives and other
  legislators.
• Be prepared to present the case for District
  interests effectively.

6
Be Positive with Your Message

• Know your issue or concern is always an
  affirmative one.
• Look for the win-win solution.
• Remember there is always a desirable solution to
  your problem.

7
Personal Contacts

• Read all available background material on the
  bill or issue which concerns you.
• Know when and where to contact a legislator.

8
Personal Contacts

• Call ahead and make an appointment. Let the
  legislator know what you wish to discuss.
• Make it clear who you are and what District you
  are with.

9
Personal Contacts

• Do not overkill. Legislators want your
  well-prepared facts and views, presented in a
  straightforward manner.
• Dont demand a commitment before the facts are in.

10
Be A Credible Spokesperson

• Be a credible spokesperson for your issue.
• Credibility is easily lost and rarely restored
  without years of hard work.

11
Establish and Maintain Credibility

• You dont have to be disagreeable to disagree
• Follow the Golden Rule treat everyone the way
  you would like to be treated
• Be true to your convictions
• Listen, listen, listen
• Be positive

12
Letter Writing and Email

• A personal letter or email message may
• be the most effective way of contacting
• Your legislator, whether in Indianapolis
• or Washington.

13
Letter Writing and E-Mail

• Address it properly.

For a State Senator The Honorable (full
name) State Senator State Capitol 200 W.
Washington StreetIndianapolis, IN
46204-2785 Dear Senator (last name)
For a State Representative The Honorable (full
name) State Representative State Capitol 200 W.
Washington StreetIndianapolis, IN
46204-2786 Dear Representative (last name)
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Letter Writing and E-Mail
For a U.S. Senator The Honorable (full
name) United States Senator Address Dear
Senator (last name)
For a U.S. Representative The Honorable (full
name) United States Representative Address De
ar Congressman/woman (last name)
Remember, on any one issue, even a few letters
to one legislator can have an important impact.
15
Ten Rules to Follow

• Know your legislators full name and correct
  spelling.
• Always include your last name and address on the
  letter itself.
• Use your own words.
• Time the arrival of your letter.
• Know what youre writing about.
• Identify the bill or issue of concern to you.
• Be reasonably brief.
• Give reasons for your position.
• Be constructive.
• Write a letter of appreciation

16
Summary

• Districts are directly affected by the actions of
  legislators
• Positive thinking and acting are essential in
  working with legislators

17
Summary

• The best plans and the hardest work can be killed
  in an instant by losing credibility
• Writing letters to legislators is an effective
  communication tool

18
Resources