Contact Your Elected Leaders
One of the best ways you can help defend traditional values is by contacting
your representatives in our government. Contact your Elected Leaders on the
issues that matter most.
Tips for Effectively Contacting and
Interacting with Your Elected Official
Do...
...Schedule an appointment.
...Identify yourself as a
constituent (if appropriate) and indicate where you live and work.
If you're not a constituent, connect your issue to members of the legislator's
district.
...Connect your issue to personal experience.
...Leave behind prepared written analysis of your problem and the recommended action.
...Directly ask the legislator for his/her support of your position.
...Exercise courtesy and respect at all times. Thank the legislator for the opportunity to meet.
...Honor any request for follow-up information.
...Pray for your leaders, whether you agree with them or not!
Don't...
...Show up un-announced to truly discuss an issue. Legislators are very busy and are often out of the office. Allow them to prepare for your visit. "Dropping by" to say hi when you're in the Capitol is fine, but scheduled appointments are always the best approach.
...Assume the legislator knows all about you and your area, even if you are a constituent.
...Assume the legislator is familiar with your issue. Thousands of bills are introduced each session and legislators are never even exposed to most of them.
...Lie! Your credibility and knowledge are your best assets. Lack of preparation and mis-information will defeat you before you've started. However, don't feel compelled to lobby for your opposition. That's their job - but do be prepared to refute their arguments.
...Mention PAC contributions, money, or any promises or reward for his or her vote.
...Linger. If the legislator has informed you of his or her position and your allotted time is up, conclude the meeting.
...Ignore requests for more
information. Issues change within the process. Follow-up visits and information
build credibility for you as a "trusted resource" and keep you involved in the
process.
Source: These great tips were found on
Detroit Chamber of Commerce Website
8/12/09
Contact Information
As you find your
elected leader below, remember to ... Plug their number into your phone,
have your kids send a letter to their offices, take them a plate of cookies,
and build a relationship with them. Pray for them often and no matter what,
thank them for their public service to your community. As you build a
relationship with them, regardless of party affiliation, you build
credibility and earn the trust to be heard. Remember not all concerned
citizens are as thoughtful of you and your opinion is not the only one they
have to represent!
So go the extra mile and become a friend with your elected leaders and their
staff. You never know but what your respectful communication, your servant
attitude and your willingness to listen to them might just be the thing that
gets them to consider your request ... and perhaps change the direction of
your community and state. Kindness works!
Contact Your
Michigan State Representative
Contact Your Michigan State Senator
Contact Your Michigan US Congressman
Contact Your Michigan US Senators
Contact other
Michigan Elected Officials
Contact
Your Michigan Supreme
Court and other Judicial Offices
Know your Stuff!
Are you up to date on
Public Policy?
Politics 101 for Michigan
- who's who! When elected officials are term limited, etc.
General Information on Michigan
- state bird, you name it! Never know when you might need to know!