Take Action - Legislative Advocacy

Influencing the Legislative Process

Legislative advocacy is one of the tools which local boards of health can use to improve the health of communities. The term refers to actions taken to promote change through local ordinance, and state and federal legislation. It includes attempts to shape public opinion, stimulate discussion, educate elected and appointed government officials, introduce new laws, influence rules and regulations, and much more. The following information focuses on strategies to influence federal legislation, but its concepts are also applicable at the state and local levels.

Introducing Legislation

Visiting a Legislator

Calling a Legislator

Writing to a Legislator

Emailing your Legislator

Testifying

What to do if your bill fails

Introducing Legislation

If the organization feels strongly that legislation should be introduced (or introduced bills should be amended), find a sympathetic legislator to sponsor (or amend) a bill.

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Visiting a Legislator

Make an appointment; if the legislator can’t meet, ask to meet with a staff member who handles health issues.
Prepare, know the issue, but know more than you say–don’t try to say everything about an issue.
Practice on a friend before the visit.
Limit the number of participants to 2 or 3 people. Introduce yourselves.
Address one issue only.
Stay only 15 minutes.
Be clear and concise.
Don’t demand or insist; you can disagree, but do so politely.
Say your piece, then listen.
Ask if the legislator or staff member has heard from opponents; if yes, who are the opponents and what are they saying.
Leave written material, a one-page fact sheet,
If the legislator or staff member asks a question to which you don’t know the answer, say that you don’t know, but that you will obtain the answer and get back to them.
Follow-up the visit with a letter and more information.

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Calling a Legislator

Prepare for the call.
Write down some “talking points.” If you can’t speak with the legislator, ask to speak to the staff person in charge of this issue.
Ask if this is a good time to talk; if not, when is a good time?
Focus on one issue.
Say your piece, then listen. Don’t argue.
Ask where you can send more information.
Thank them for their time (and support).
Always be polite.

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Writing to a Legislator

Try to write while the bill is in committee.
Know what committees this legislator serves on and mention in the letter if this bill is appearing before any of those committees.
Include your name, address, phone, e-mail address.
Address only one subject per letter, keep it to one page.
Attach additional information, but only what is required to make your point.
Briefly express appreciation for support on prior issues.
Identify the issue clearly. If it is about a bill, include the bill number, sponsor and title (you can find this on the Congressional website).
State the position that you want the legislator to take, e.g., you should vote against this legislation because…
State why the issue is important for this legislator and his/her constituents; explain how this bill would affect your community, state etc.
You don’t have to be an “expert.”
Be reasonable, polite, and respectful.
Preprinted letters or postcards are not generally effective. Try to modify packaged “talking points”; use your own words.
Follow up with a written thank you.

Addressing Written Correspondence

US Senator

Honorable Jane Smith

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Smith,

US Representative

Honorable John Smith

House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Smith,

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Emailing a Legislator

The internet is useful for contacting your legislators during session when votes are taken and the status of a bill can change quickly. E-mail addresses and web sites for legislators can be found through the congressional web site.

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Testifying

You must be invited to testify at a congressional hearing.
Prepare. Use an outline form to speak
Abide by the parameters specified in your invitation to testify.
Greet the committee, and give your name, title, the organization which you represent.
Thank the committee for the opportunity to testify.
Listen to prior testimony and try to avoid repeating the same message.
Close your testimony with a summary of your main points, and an offer to answer any questions.

Written statements are usually required. Attach a cover sheet to the statement which includes your name, organization, contact information, committee/subcommittee, date/time of the hearing.

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What should you do if your bill fails?

It is common for members of Congress to reintroduce bills that were not enacted in the previous session. In any case, if your effort is unsuccessful, be gracious. Don't burn bridges. Be patient, and wait for the next opportunity.

To get involved in NALBOH’s public health advocacy work or to learn more about advocacy at the local level, contact Tricia Valasek.

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Page updated 09/08/2010.