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BEING HEARD

BEING HEARD. A guide to action. Contact your legislators. 4 easy ways to Get their attention. 1. Send a letter. They’ll read it, and you’ll probably hear back from them If it’s urgent, fax it! It’ll avoid security delays. 2. Send an email.

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BEING HEARD

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  1. BEING HEARD A guide to action

  2. Contact your legislators 4 easy ways to Get their attention

  3. 1. Send a letter They’ll read it, and you’ll probably hear back from them If it’s urgent, fax it! It’ll avoid security delays

  4. 2. Send an email Email is now the most popular (and easiest!) way to reach your legislator

  5. 3. Call them on the phone Even if you can’t speak to a member of Congress, you can get your message passed on to them.

  6. 4. Talk face-to-face Meet in Washington– Members make time for their constituents, and you can try an appointment Meet in their district office– Meetings are sometime easier away from the Capitol

  7. Express your opinion 4 ways to start a dialogue

  8. ------------start a dialogue------------- Participate in local meetings Participate in virtual forums Respond to a survey Get to know staff

  9. Help them listen Components of effective conversations

  10. Your message should be… Factual and researched Clear and concise Personal Inclusive of other backgrounds

  11. During your conversation, you should be… Constructive Informed about Congress A listener Courteous Aware of rules of propriety Open to compromise

  12. Finally, remember… Be patient Be persistent To enjoy yourself and your active role in our representative democracy!

  13. DOs and DON’Ts of citizen advocacy DO: DON’T: Schedule your appointment in advance Be punctual Dress appropriately Prepare adequate materials (handout and a brief leave-behind) Stay focused on your issue Provide relevant and specific examples Follow up after your meeting Show up or leave too late Get off track Wear your work boots Bring everyone you know Sulk if you only meet with staff Mix personal and professional agendas

  14. Develop a relationship 5 Tips for engagement

  15. Get to know your legislators, and help them get to know you Invite them to your conservation or farm meetings Invite them to your annual banquets Take them on a conservation tour in their district Make a speaking invitation 30/6 rule: Invest 30 minutes to contact your elected official 6 times a year.

  16. To sum up: 1. Know your issue 2. Make the effort 3. Be heard

  17. Acknowledgement This presentation Has been Provided by The National Association of Conservation Districts

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