GETTING ACQUAINTED
An essential part of any movement for social change is the effort to create new legislation, modify existing laws and gain assistance and support for government officials. To do this, you must know how to communicate with your elected officials. First, find out who they are. Contact the Election Commission of India, newspapers, local government offices or voter groups.
Next, get to know as many legislators as you can. Don’t wait until your group wants to introduce a bill. Lay the foundation now, before you start a legislative campaign. Attend any “town meetings” where legislators meet with voters to answer questions. Write to thank them for taking a certain position. Arrange to meet with them, even if it’s only on an issue you don’t feel strongly about. The important thing is to establish a rapport.
It’s also very helpful to get to know the elected officials’ aides, who are often much more accessible and can often provide you with good “inside” information.
WRITING LETTERS
When writing to an elected official:
1 Discuss only one issue in each letter.
2 Keep it short. One page is best, and two pages is the maximum.
3 Handwritten letters are good but only if your handwriting is legible. Otherwise, use a typewriter or computer. The more personal the letter appears, the more seriously it will be taken.
4 State the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph.
5 Support your argument with facts, not emotions.
6 Don’t assume the legislator knows all about the issue. Provide background information.
7 Identify the bill if you are writing about one.
8 Be polite and positive.
9 Never threaten (“I won’t vote for you if ...”). Today’s opponent may be tomorrow’s ally on another issue.
10 Don’t offend by saying, “You probably won’t pay any attention to this” or, “I know you won’t do anything.”
11 State clearly what you want him or her to do: vote yes or no, urge a government agency to investigate a laboratory, etc. Don’t be vague.
12 Include your name and address on both the envelope and the letter.
13 Don’t be self-righteous about being a “citizen and a taxpayer.” They assume you are both.
14 Use the proper form for the address and salutation. Any legislator is called “Honorable” on the envelope and inside addresses.
MEETING WITH OFFICIALS
When meeting with an elected official:
1 Make an appointment well in advance.
2 If you are going with a group of people, decide ahead of time who will be the spokesperson. It’s best to go by yourself or, at most, with one other person.
3 Dress conservatively and professionally.
4 Know about the legislator and his/her voting record.
5 Compliment him/her on past achievements.
6 Be friendly and positive.
7 Don’t turn down a chance for a visit if you can meet only with the legislative aide. Go to the meeting and behave as if you were meeting the elected official.
8 If you are there to discuss a bill, know the title of it.
9 Provide one-page factsheets or background information.
10 Don’t speak as a member of a national organisation unless you have a reason to believe it will be beneficial.
11 Don’t wear animal rights t-shirts or buttons.
12 Know your facts.
13 Don’t become emotional and carry on about how animals are suffering and how heartbreaking it is.
14 Make your points briefly and clearly. Don’t waste the legislator’s time. Thank him/her, and leave promptly.
Remember that how you communicate is as important as what you communicate. People who care about animals are often stereotyped as emotional. We can change that image by doing our homework, by not getting angry or hostile, and by keeping our statements concise.
