Do's and Don'ts of Advocacy
DO be informed.
Read newsletters and legislative/advocacy alerts carefully. Know both
sides of the issues. Know when the bill is in committee, when the hearings
will be held, who the co-sponsors are, etc
DO start early.
Pay attention to issues and proposals early in the process and you'll
have a better chance of affecting the outcome.
DO be concise.
The more simply and clearly your position can be explained, the better
chance you have of getting people to listen and respond.
DO be specific.
Know exactly what you want your legislator to do. Do you want him/her
to draft legislation? Propose an amendment? Vote for the bill?
DO be honest.
Don't exaggerate to make a point or answer a question if you're not sure
of the facts. Every issue has at least two sides--be honest about admitting
the pros and cons of your issue.
DO give personal examples.
This puts the issues in memorable, human terms. Saying that you or a family
member went without dinner for a week because there wasn't enough money
to buy food is much more powerful than giving statistics which show that
SSI recipients are living below the poverty level.
DO practice.
Try explaining your position to friends and family before you meet with
a legislator or testify before a committee.
DO communicate with AMI of Wisconsin or your legislative network contact.
Tell them what your legislators say so follow-up action can be planned.
DO be courteous, but firm and confident.
DON'T make threats.
Telling legislators that they have to do what you want or you won't vote
for them will only turn people off.
DON'T argue with your legislator.
If it is clear that the person won't support your position, just give
the facts and ask him or her to consider your viewpoint. You want to keep
the lines of communication open for discussing future issues.
DON'T GIVE UP!
By Source: Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Wisconsin Legislative Advocacy
Handbook