"Significant changes in public policy have been made by individuals and small groups with determination, tenacity, and a sense of humor." -- Judith Meredith

1. Be an information source. Legislators have little time and many issues to sort through. You fill the information gap. Distribute fact sheets and other information to your legislators.

2. Tell the truth. There is no faster way to lose your credibility than to give false or misleading information to a legislator.

3. Know who is on your side. It helps a legislator to know which other groups, individuals, state agencies, and/or legislators are working with you on an issue.

4. Know the opposition. Anticipate who the opposition will be - organized or individual. Tell the legislator what their arguments are likely to be and provide answers and rebuttals to those arguments.

5. Make personal connections. No matter how insignificant you may feel it is, if you have friends, relatives, and/or a colleagues in common, LET THEM KNOW. Our legislative process is very informal and establishing a personal connection could make the difference.

6. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something. If a legislator wants information you don’t have or asks something you don’t know, tell them and offer to get the information they are looking for.

7. Be specific. If you want a legislator to vote a particular way or provide you with specific information, make sure you ask for it directly and get an answer.

8. Follow up. If they vote as you wish, thank them; if they don’t, ask why. Most importantly, legislators need to know that you are watching and that you care.

9. Don’t burn any bridges. It is easy to get emotional over issues you feel strongly about. That’s fine, but be sure you leave your dealings on good enough terms that you can go back to them. Remember, your strongest opponent on one issue may be your strongest ally on another.

10. Don’t be intimidated. Your tax money pays legislators’ salaries, and all their services and supplies. They are responsible to you and nine times out of ten, they are grateful for your input.

Source: Natural Resources Coucil of Maine, February/March 1997.