sponsored
by
(480)-965-5041
or (480) 965-4078
PO Box 873702
Tempe, AZ 85287-3702
advoteam@sundeviladvocates.org
Basic Advocacy Guidelines
First, learn the process and the issues.
The Sun Devil Advocate Network at the ASU Alumni Association will help you with the issues by notifying you via email of an impending piece of legislation that we either support or oppose and asking you to help us by communicating with your legislator on the issue. We will provide you with a summary of the bill and even what to say to your elected officials.
We have also found a terrific resource that can help you learn the process. Go to:
http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ and click on the link under “legislative process” called “How a Bill Becomes Law” -- this 3 page PDF document will walk you through the legislative process and take you from the first step -- the bill being dropped in the hopper -- to the last step -- the Governor signing the bill.It is very important that you be prepared, informed and factual. Once you understand the key points of the issue and how Arizona State University could be affected, then you are ready to advocate!
If you are asked a question by an elected official and you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but I will find out and get back to you.” If this happens, either email or call us with the question and we’ll get an answer for you.
Keep it Simple
Advocating can take many forms -- you can choose to contact your elected officials by email, personal visits, phone calls, faxes or letters. The main thing is to keep it simple:
- Be brief. Use your time wisely and well.
- Be specific; identify your subject matter clearly and concisely including the bill number and let your state senator or representatives know your position on the legislation.
- Be personal if you can -- describe how the issue affects your life or the life of a family member.
- Be reasonable; don’t ask for the impossible or threaten an elected official. If any member of the Sun Devil Advocate Network ever threatens an elected official they will immediately be removed as a member.
- Ask the elected official their position on the issue; there is nothing wrong with you asking and them telling you where they stand on a particular bill.
- Don’t assume legislators and their staff understand your issue. Hundreds of bills are introduced each session -- legislators must juggle many issues. Be prepared to explain your issue clearly.
- Keep in touch with your legislator. Either call or follow-up with an email as soon as possible.
Always Tell the Truth
First impressions go a long way. You only get one chance at credibility. Never lie or embellish the information you are sharing with an elected official. Once again, if you are asked a question and you don’t know the answer, promise to find out and follow up with the legislator that asked the question.