Writing a Letter to the Editor
Letters to the editor of your local or a statewide paper represent an opportunity to share your opinion with thousands or even hundreds of thousands of readers across much of the state. Lawmakers and policymakers notice these opinions and consider them when they try to determine how popular or unpopular a policy may be with the public. The editorial board of a newspaper will also take note of the number of letters they receive on a subject or issue to gauge reader interest in that issue, which can lead to more coverage of an issue by that paper. And letters that appear in print also encourage other advocates to get on their keyboards, pick up the phone or show up at meetings and speak up!
Writing a Letter to the Editor

Communicating With Your Legislator
Letters, personally drafted emails, and even phone calls at critical times before votes are effective ways to share information, concerns and personal stories with lawmakers.  Legislators especially want to hear the views of their own constituents.  Do not underestimate how important a short letter or email is to a legislator.  Many individuals do not take the time to write, so just a few letters on a particular issue can seem like a groundswell of interest to a state legislator!
 Communicating With Your Legislator

Ten Easy Tips for Legislative Visits
Face to face visits are the best way to build a relationship with lawmakers and to share information and personal stories.  You do not need to be an expert on an issue to have an effective meeting with a legislator.  Legislators want to hear why their constituents care about an issue. Legislators are your neighbors. They work next to you, worship with you, and raise their children in your community.  Meetings with them should not be intimidating, and there are some easy steps to ensure that they are productive.
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Tips for Building Relationships with Legislators
The most effective advocates understand the need to build long term mutually beneficial relationships with the lawmakers that represent them.  If you become a trusted resource for the legislator, you will be able to ensure that your voice will be heard through the drone of other legislative issues, interest groups, and competing constituents.  By working to build relationships, you will ensure that children’s issues are always on the mind of your elected officials.  Your legislators are elected by constituents just like you and they want to get to know you and to gain your support.
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