Learn to effectively communicate with your legislators
Ready to send a message? Read this first to make sure they hear you.
By email:
Writing to your lawmaker through email is one of the easiest ways to speak up and advocate for WSU. In your email, remember to:
Include your placement in their district; they will want to know that you’re one of their constituents. No need to give your address, just let them know what area you live in and how long you’ve been there.
Be clear in the details. Always use the bill number and the exact issue you’re writing about. Often, constituents forget that lawmakers don’t know who they are or why they’re writing, so it helps to be very specific. We can always help you with that.
Be civil. You’d be surprised how often people get so passionate that they become hurtful or personal! Instead, be clear about your concerns and outline what you’d like them to do — without personal attacks or additional remarks.
By phone:
If you prefer to call, here are some ways to ensure the conversation is productive and pleasant for everyone involved.
Expect to leave a message with either a legislative aide or on a machine. Your lawmaker is busy! Make notes with exactly what you’d like to address, including clear language and the exact bill you’re referencing.
If you do schedule a time to speak with your lawmaker or get them on the phone, remember to stay on topic but don’t be afraid to tell them what inspired you to call. A personal story or relationship to the issue can go a long way, but keeping the call brief is also important.
In meetings:
Most of us are meeting on Zoom these days, which brings its own set of issues. If you have a meeting with an elected official or an aide, remember to:
Keep yourself muted unless you’re speaking. There’s nothing worse than a lawnmower or a barking dog interrupting everyone!
Prepare notes about exactly what you want to discuss and why. Reference the exact bill number and the issue or problem you’re addressing. The more specific, the better.
Come prepared with some background information about the lawmaker. It’s helpful to show that you’ve been paying attention — know how long they’ve been in the position and what their main committees and other work have been.