The central piece of our day together will be making visits with our legislators and their staff. We know that this can be intimidating. But by being rooted in our baptismal call to strive for justice and peace, and going as church together, we know that these visits will be fruitful, and maybe even fun!
Check back here for recordings of Lutheran Day Prep webinars and resources on the specific legislative “asks” for the day – those specific policies we’ll be asking our state representative and senators to address.
In the meantime, we have a variety of resources for you to prepare for meeting with your legislators. Here’s a particularly helpful piece from our Advocacy Toolkit.
Talking With Legislators
Get to know your legislator – Look up the legislator website. Read the online biography page and find out about your legislator’s interests and hobbies. See if they have a Facbook page or follow them on Twitter. Sign up for their e-newsletter.
Study your legislator’s voting records and statements, particularly on the issues for which you are advocating.
Do you have any mutual friends or contacts? Find out what you have in common.
If you are unsure or uneasy about a visit, contact LAMPa staff to ask for more information.
Assume legislators/staff know little or nothing about what you do and the issue you’ve come to talk to them about, until you learn otherwise.
Your job is to inform, educate and ASK for their support on an important issue. Their job is to REPRESENT you and your neighbors. Explain the issue in terms important to them:
- Why is it in his or her interest to support our position?
- What is the benefit to the community?
- Is the idea/issue popular in their district? Be able to demonstrate this in some way.
- Are you or your family, congregation or ministry helping their constituents in some way?
Always be up front in your communications. If you don’t know the answer to a question posed to you during a visit, say “I’ll find out.” It’s okay to tell them you will email or call with the information they are requesting.
What Your Legislators May Not Know
Come with a few positive anecdotes about how your ministry or family helps and participates in the community.
Your “ask” should be specific. For example, “Please support continued funding for these programs in this year’s budget at the same level as last year.”
Explain the services provided by the ELCA in your region and give a quick overview of other ministries such as Social Ministry Organizations or other institutions in the legislator’s district. Many people do not know the depth or reach of the ELCA presence or are not aware that many of the community organizations they are familiar with are church-related
If you have this info, share how many people were helped in your area in the last year. What important services are you providing for their constituents?
- Remember: Numbers and statistics are good, but adding a personal story makes the meeting memorable.
Find more resources for advocacy and preparing for meetings.
