World Animal Foundation
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Lobbying
For the Planet &
Its Animals
GETTING ACQUAINTED
An essential part of any movement for social
change is the effort to create new legislation.
To do this, you must know how to communi-
cate with your elected officials.
First, find out who they are. Call the county
Board of Elections or the League of Women
Voters for a list of federal, state, county, and
city officials.
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 "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 preferable 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 or ordinance by title and number.
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. The salutation for state or federal representatives is "Mr." or "Ms." The salutation for state or federal senators is "Senator."
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. Know the title and bill number of legislation you want to discuss.
9. Provide one-page factsheets or background information.
10. Don't speak as a member of a national organization.
11. Don't wear animal rights or environmental 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 and the planet 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.
Senators
The Honorable (first and last name)
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Representatives
The Honorable (first and last name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
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