Talk with and get to know your legislators before the legislative session begins

When the legislative sessions starts in January, things move quickly at the Capitol. And it’s not the best time to educate legislators on complex city issues. The best time to establish a relationship with your legislator is now, while they are at home, talking to their constituents.

When it comes to lobbying, AWC knows that the most compelling and powerful influence comes from back home—the legislator’s constituents. On key issues, sometimes just knowing your legislator is half the battle. Although it may seem a little intimidating, getting to know your legislator is much easier than you think. They want to know what you think about issues in your community, and they’d rather hear from you when they have time for a real conversation.

Here’s some tips for talking with and getting to know your legislator:

If not clear on who represents you or how to contact them, find your legislator and their contact information at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder.
Meet with your legislators. Call or email and tell your legislators that you would like to get better acquainted. Ask to meet with them to discuss areas of common interest and concern. It could be as easy as a chat over coffee!
Check for your legislator’s public appearances and forums, and attend the events. It’s another way of connecting and letting your legislator know you’re interested in the same issues.
Provide information about issues impacting your city and emphasize that you want to help them understand the issues. Take a look at the list of PRELIMINARY AWC priorities in this Bulletin. If one or more interest your city, let your legislators know and why it’s important.
Talk about the good things happening in your city—remember, it’s also good news about their district.
Always ask them about their concerns and priorities. Find out what’s important to them. Listen to your legislators.
After your meeting, follow up with a thank you note. Thank him/her for taking the time to meet with you.
Use your note to answer any unresolved questions or send information that will be helpful to your legislators.
Stay in contact. Sign up for your legislator’s e-newsletter and track their issues.
Continue to attend events featuring your legislators. The e-newsletter will list their schedule.
And keep meeting…it’s your best way to build a relationship before session starts and meetings are few and far between.

Share your hometown

Your city is part of your legislator’s district. Share it with them.

City tour – It’s a great educational outreach. Show them your departments and city servicers. Get their buy-in on local projects and talk about the value a city provides to the community, the region and the state.

City council meetings – Invite your legislator to attend, especially if you’re discussing an issue you know interests them.

Local recognition – Look for opportunities to spotlight your legislators. Maybe a ribbon cutting ceremony or completion of a major city projects. When a legislator does something to support your community, recognize them in a public way.

Get specific

Legislators need to know specifically how a particular piece of legislation will benefit your city or town. You may want to use AWC’s three preliminary major legislative priorities as an example and note how a bill could help at home. Please see the cover story of this Bulletin for more information on AWC’s preliminary major priorities.

Your voice

As we get ready for the 2010 legislative session, now is the time to build the foundation for success with city issues. Make it a priority to know your legislator. Your voice, your own experience and your own city’s examples can help you build a successful relationship.

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