A GUIDE TO ACTION BEING HEARD

4 EASY WAYS TO GET THEIR ATTENTION Contact your legislators

1. Send a letter They’ll read it, and you’ll probably hear back from them If it’s urgent, fax it! It’ll avoid security delays

2. Send an is now the most popular (and easiest!) way to reach your legislator

3. Call them on the phone Even if you can’t speak to a member of Congress, you can get your message passed on to them.

4. Talk face-to-face Meet in Washington– Members make time for their constituents, and you can try an appointment Meet in their district office– Meetings are sometime easier away from the Capitol

4 WAYS TO START A DIALOGUE Express your opinion

start a dialogue Participate in local meetings 2. Participate in virtual forums 3. Respond to a survey 4. Get to know staff

COMPONENTS OF EFFECTIVE CONVERSATIONS Help them listen

Your message should be… Factual and researched Clear and concise Personal Inclusive of other backgrounds

During your conversation, you should be… Constructive Informed about Congress A listener Courteous Aware of rules of propriety Open to compromise

Finally, remember… Be patient Be persistent To enjoy yourself and your active role in our representative democracy!

DO: DON’T: Schedule your appointment in advance Be punctual Dress appropriately Prepare adequate materials (handout and a brief leave- behind) Stay focused on your issue Provide relevant and specific examples Follow up after your meeting Show up or leave too late Get off track Wear your work boots Bring everyone you know Sulk if you only meet with staff Mix personal and professional agendas DOs and DON’Ts of citizen advocacy

5 TIPS FOR ENGAGEMENT Develop a relationship

Get to know your legislators, and help them get to know you 1. Invite them to your conservation or farm meetings 2. Invite them to your annual banquets 3. Take them on a conservation tour in their district 4. Make a speaking invitation 5. 30/6 rule: Invest 30 minutes to contact your elected official 6 times a year.

1. KNOW YOUR ISSUE 2. MAKE THE EFFORT 3. BE HEARD To sum up:

THIS PRESENTATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS Acknowledgement