Communicating Effectively
The following lobbying tips are taken from the January/February issue of the newsletter Population & Habitat, a program of the National Audubon Society.
When communicating your opinion to your legislator, whether by letter, fax, phone, email or in person, keep these general tips in mind:

• Be prepared - Compose a concise, effective message before you call or write. Learn something about your representative so you can tailor your message in an effective way.
• Be specific - State what you would like your member to do (support or oppose a measure). Identify the bill number, or “the proposed amendment.”
• Be timely - Make sure your views are heard while there is still time for the member to react to them.
• Be brief - Stick to one issue, and identify why you care about it.
• Be courteous - Do not make threats. Ask for a response. This will help to determine your next steps.
• Speak for yourself - Personal letters are more effective than petitions.
• Identify yourself - Use personal stationery with a return address and indicate whether you are a constituent.
• Be accurate and responsive - If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say so, and get back to the office with a quick, written response with the correct information when you obtain it.
• Help them remember - Leave a brief written summary of the position you are supporting and action you want the member to take.
• Limit yourself - Group meetings are best when three, at most four people are there.
• Meet with staff - Staff members are an extension of the legislator and will relay information from your meeting.