sponsored by
(480)-965-5041
or (480) 965-4078
PO Box 873702
Tempe, AZ 85287-3702
advoteam@sundeviladvocates.org
Personal Visits
Email, faxes and telephones are very good ways to communicate with your elected representatives. Yet, meeting personally with your senator or representative is still the most effective way to advocate. Here are some important tips:
- Schedule an appointment in advance. Be courteous.
- Arrive on time, but don’t be disappointed if your legislator is delayed or even if they are unable to meet with you due to unexpected legislative business. Offer to discuss the issue with the legislator’s staff and offer to reschedule your meeting.
- Keep your visit to the time allotted -- unless the legislator would like to have a longer meeting.
- Organize your thoughts in advance and prepare an outline for your meeting.
- Identify the subject by bill number and title.
- Be polite and friendly. If you disagree with your representative graciously listen to their explanation. You may disagree on this issue, but there will be issues in the future where you may agree.
- Always be polite and friendly to the staff of your legislator. Legislative staff are very important to the elected official and you can count on them to deliver your message.
- Leave a summary of your talking points and position.
- After the meeting, send a thank you note or follow-up letter.