Dos & Don'ts When Dealing with Legislators

DO

• Be or bring a constituent(s).
• Know your subject.
• Think before speaking.
• Give the gist of your arguments as early in the conversation as possible - keep it short.
• Be clear, concise and honest.
• Assume your listener knows nothing about court reporting and simplify complex issues.
• Describe personal impact.
• Anticipate questions.
• Leave or send written material.
• Dress appropriately if meeting with legislator.
• Leave your business card.
• Request commitment. (Always!)
• Follow-up with a written communication of thank you.

DON'T

• Use form letters.
• Confuse the issue by discussing multiple issues.
• Guess.
• Be afraid to say "I don't know. I'll get back to you."
• Use words that are terms of art.
• Become confrontational.
• Argue.
• Threaten.
• Use inappropriate language.
• Lie.