Comprehensive document with valuable tips, tools and information!

HOW TO CONVEY YOUR MESSAGE
TIPS ON PUTTING YOUR MESSAGE TOGETHER
SAMPLE EMAIL

HOW TO CONVEY YOUR MESSAGE

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• Be thoughtful. Commend the right things your 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 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 it 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 organization and individuals participated on your side.
• 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 in his/her district. (He/she knows it!)
• Don’t be 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.

TIPS ON PUTTING YOUR MESSAGE TOGETHER

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• Keep your comments short. A succinct comment will have more impact than a longer one.
• Get to your point quickly. Focus on one topic.
• Provide concrete, credible information on the impact of the proposed legislation on you or your business. The more personalized your comments are, the more impact it will have.
• Make sure your legislator knows you are a constituent who lives and/or does business in the legislator’s district.
• Be sure to be clear about what action you want the legislator to take.
• Keep your comments friendly and respective.
• Act promptly. Too many good lobbying comments arrive after a vote has been taken.

SAMPLE EMAIL

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Dear Mayor Martinez—

As a citizen of Fort Collins and an individual that owns the local paper company, I am writing to urge you to maintain the approximately $7.5 million dollars for the Pavement Management Program in the 2004 and 2005 Recommended Biennial Budget. Maintaining a working street system is very important to my business and our community.

I applaud the fact that the City of Fort Collins wishes to maintain a 75 rating on all streets in Fort Collins, but am fearful that this goal is unobtainable without dedicating a portion of the budget to the Pavement Management Program. I realize that, based on our economy, cuts must be made to the budget but I implore you to not cut the Pavement Management Program. The City has identified a need of $7,556,980 to truly address the program; yet only $7,528,891 was budgeted for 2004. We are already tightening our belt on this issue and I feel strongly that cutting the budgeted amount any more will result in a deterioration of our infrastructure.

I look forward to hearing from you soon about your position on this issue and ask that you maintain the $7.5 million dollars for the Pavement Management Program in the 2004 and 2005 Recommended Biennial Budget.

Joe Public
123 Anyroad, Fort Collins, CO
123-4567
email@email.com