CLUES TO PROTOCOL

California State Senators and Assembly Members want to hear from their constituents –you- the voters in their districts. At times your association may call on you to do some grassroots lobbying. Often the contact from a district constituent can sway a legislator’s vote.

Here are some guidelines for you to follow in contacting your legislators in person, by phone or by letter.

Be thoughtful. Commend the right things, which you legislator does. That’s the way you’d like to be treated.

Be reasonable. Recognize that there are legitimate differences of opinion. Never indulge in threats or recriminations.

Be realistic. Remember that most controversial legislation is the result of compromise. Don’t expect that everything will go your way, and don’t be too critical when it doesn’t.

Be accurate and factual. The mere fact that you want or do not want a piece of legislation isn’t enough. If an issue goes against you, don’t rush to blame the legislator for “failing to do what you wanted.” Make certain you have the necessary information and do a good job of presenting your case.

Be understanding. Put yourself in a legislator’s place. Try to understand his/her problems, outlook and aims. Then you are more likely to help him/her understand your business and problems.

Be Friendly. Don’t contact your legislator only when you want his/her vote. Invite him/her to your place of business or your group meetings. Take pains to keep in touch with him/her throughout the year.

Give credit where credit is due. If an issue goes the way you wanted, remember that your legislator deserves first credit. He/she has the vote, not you. And, remember also that many organizations and individuals participated on your side.

Learn to evaluate issues. The introduction of a legislative bill doesn’t mean that it will become law. Whether you’re for it or against it, don’t get excited about it until you learn the who, what and why of it.

Support your legislator. If he/she is running for re-election and if you believe he/she deserves it, give him/her your support. He/she needs workers and financial supporters. Don’t become aloof at the time when your legislator needs your help.

Don’t, don’t, don’t even hint that you think certain bills, campaigns, or politics in general are not worthwhile or may be dishonest.

Don’t demand anything. And don’t be rude or threatening. There is always “the future” and in many cases a legislator may disagree with you on one issue and be supportive on another.

Don’t be vague or deceptive, righteous or long-winded and please don’t remind the legislator that you are a taxpayer and voter his/her district. (He/she knows it!)

Don’t be an extremist. Remember, your legislator represents all his/her constituents –those you consider liberal and those you consider conservative. Don’t condemn a legislator just because he/she supports a piece of legislation that you think is too liberal or too conservative.

Don’t be a busybody. Legislators don’t like to be pestered, scolded or preached to. Neither do you.

Be cooperative. If your legislator makes a reasonable request, try to comply with it. You can help him/her by giving him/her the information he/she needs. Don’t back away for fear you are “getting into politics.”

LETTER WRITING
Following are guidelines for an effective letter:

Be brief

Make sure the legislator knows this communication is from a constituent who lives and/or does business in the legislator’s district.

Explain how the proposed legislation affects your business, and why you support/oppose it.

Don’t attempt to give “expert” opinions. Tell how the legislator would affect your business, based on your experience and knowledge.

Refer to bill numbers whenever possible.

Ask for the legislator’s support or opposition.

Write the letter without copying any association-provided background information verbatim.

Request that your legislator take a specific action by telling him/her what you desire. State the facts as you see them. Avoid emotional arguments. If you use dollar figures, be realistic.

Ask the legislator what his/her position is.

Keep all communications friendly and respectful. Be sure to thank your legislator for considering your views.

Write on your personal or business letterhead if possible, and sign your name over your typed signature at the end of your message.

Be sure your exact return address is on the letter, not just the envelope.
Envelopes sometimes get thrown away before the letter is answered.

Be reasonable. Don’t ask for the impossible. Don’t threaten. Don’t say, “I’ll never vote for you unless you do such and such. That will not help your cause; it may even harm it.

Be constructive. If a bill deals with a problem you admit exists, but you believe the bill is the wrong approach, tell what the right approach is.