Make a difference
Barbara Bohm - Americus, member of NAMI
Saturday, January 12, 2008
THE LEGISLATURE is about to open once again this year. Are you going to contact your representative this year on any issues? Have you ever done so? If not, here are a few brief tips.
Make an appointment — don’t just drop in.
Do your homework — see what bills your legislator has supported and which vetoed and try to find out why. Moreover, look into the legislator’s personal history. If by chance, for example, you both went to the same school, that could be a social ice breaker.
Come in intending to get to the point — your stay should not be much more than 10 minutes, typically. Your legislator sees many people and his/her time is at a premium.
Apply the 51 percent rule to your topic — would 51 percent of the general public be likely to support your stand?
After your visit, follow-up with a letter or e-mail.