Preparing Your Telephone Call or E-Mail Message to Your Legislators.

Although many organizations offer prepared scripts for grass-roots advocates to use in contacting legislators, it is our experience that legislative staffers have little respect, to say the least, for phone call after phone call using the same words.

Therefore it is well worth your time to take a few moments to prepare. You may find it useful to refer to the Talking Points and the Suggested Flow of Your Conversation together as you jot down an outline or "script" of your own. And don't worry about the impression you'll make. Proceed confidently, because sincerity counts for 99% of your contact effectiveness.

Suggested Flow of Your Conversation
 

  1. Identify yourself and your church and/or organization, if you belong to one that's relevant to your concerns.
     
  2. If you appreciate a recent vote by your legislator, thank them for it.
     
  3. Tell your major concerns in calling.
     
  4. Choose the background material from the Talking Points that you are comfortable discussing and use it as the reason for your concern. Be sure to put your concerns in your own words.
     
  5. If you can, include a true story you are aware of that illustrates your concern.
     
  6. Restate your concerns and use points from the "What Will Help" sections of the Talking Points to let them know what you want to see done.
     
  7. If you are asked something you can't answer, tell them you will find out. Then find out (feel free to call the New York State Council of Churches at 518-436-9319,. extension 103, if that would help.)
     
  8. Thank them for their time and consideration.