Advocacy
How To Make a Difference in the Legislature
Positive change for state employees doesn't happen simply by wishing for it or complaining about problems. To really make a difference, you have to get involved - most importantly by working locally to get your message across to legislators. Here are some ways you can communicate your concerns on state employee issues:
- Find your representative! This site provides a quick and easy way to find out who you should contact.
- The best way to deliver your message to legislators is in person, by building a relationship with them. Visit your representative or senator regularly at his or her district office. Introduce yourself and talk about how important your role in state employment is to you. And then present well-researched, intelligent reasons for state employee pay raises and benefits increases. By "putting a face" on the issues about which you are concerned, your legislator is much more apt to listen to you. Without that face, your concern will be lost in a crowd of other interests.
- If you want to draw a legislator's attention to a particular state employee issue, write a concise, handwritten, well-organized letter explaining your concerns. Click here for an example of an advocacy letter. And this is a letter sent the old-fashioned way, through the U.S. mail. An intelligent, personal message will speak volumes for your cause. Be sure to address your legislator respectfully, using his or her proper title.
- A phone call to a legislator's office will make an impression if the legislator already has a relationship with you. If that's the case, you'll be able to speak to him or her directly. If you don't know your representative, you will likely end up speaking with an assistant and relaying a message - and second-hand messages are never as effective as the one you deliver yourself.
- E-mail are generally are the least memorable means of communicating a message to a legislator, because e-mail often don't appear to be written with the same care and thoughtfulness. E-mail messages can even seem disrespectful if not carefully written and containing proper grammar and spelling. Also, legislators receive such large volumes of e-mail that you are likely to receive only a standardized response. If you must send an e-mail, compose it with great care and address your legislator with respect.
By making these efforts, you can begin the process of improvement in state employees' careers. And remember you deserve that improvement because of your hard work as a state employee. Change can start with you. So don't wait - begin today!