UMKC Advocates Training
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When communicating with elected officials, remember these general tips:

  • Be brief, but concise.
    Elected officials have great demands on their time. You can be more effective by keeping your visits or communications short and focused.

  • Make it personal.
    Explain how the position you are advocating impacts you-as alumni, students, parents, faculty/staff, community partners, or concerned citizens. Make sure your correspondence does not look or feel like a form letter.

  • Include your contact information so that the legislator can respond to you.
    Include your full name, address, and telephone number. This also lets the elected official know that you are his or her constituent.

  • Be accurate.
    Make sure you have done your homework on the issue about which you are contacting elected officials. You can find useful information from:

    E-mail updates
    Legislative Priorities
    UMKC Facts

    Visiting Elected Officials:
    A personal visit is one of the most effective means of communicating with elected officials - either at the Capitol or in your local community. Do not be afraid to ask to see your elected official - you are the constituent. Without your vote, he/she would not be in office.

    Tips for visiting with elected officials:

  • Call in advance to arrange an appointment
  • Keep the meeting focused
  • Even if the elected official does not agree with you, remain polite and courteous
  • Send a note of thanks or additional information as a follow-up

    Writing Elected Officials:
    The following letter format may help you in writing elected officials. If you send your letter by e-mail, then you do not need to follow such a formal format. Always remember to include your contact information.

    Letter Format:
    Date

    The Honorable [First] [Last]
    Missouri [Senate]/[House of Representatives]
    State Capitol Building
    Jefferson City, Missouri 65101

    Dear Senator/Representative [Last Name],

    First paragraph I live in your district, and I write to share my interest in (state issue)

    Second paragraph State your reasons for supporting or opposing the issue

    Closing paragraph Ask for support or opposition to the issue about which you are writing

    Signature Sincerely,
    Your first and last name
    Address
    Telephone Number

    Calling Elected Officials:
    You can reach elected officials by calling the state of Missouri at (573) XXX-XXXX.

    Tips for calling elected officials:

  • Be prepared before calling
  • Keep the call brief
  • Call regarding only one issue
  • You may not speak directly to the elected official, but it is just as important to communicate your message to the staff

    The following sample phone script can help you organize your thoughts prior to your call:

    "Hello Senator/Representative _______________. My name is (your name) and I live in your district. I am calling today to let you know that I support/oppose (bill number or bill title)."

    Share one or two personal reasons why you support/oppose this bill

    "What is your position on this bill?"

    If favorable: "Great. I thank you for your support. This is a very important issue to me."

    If unfavorable: "Can you tell me what your concerns are with this bill? (If appropriate, offer to send supporting material). Well, we may disagree on this issue, but I think it is important that you know how important this issue is to me (and my family, if appropriate)."

    If unfamiliar: Briefly explain the content of the bill. Ask if you can follow-up by providing any additional information.

    Closing: "Thank you for your time."