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The Kansas Alliance for Direct Support Professionals


The Kansas Chapter of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals

Making a Difference in the Political World

Try these 7 tips to get the maximum effect from your letter to your legislator!

  1. Start with a brief statement (10 words or less) on the subject; include the bill number if writing on a specific bill
  2. Introduce yourself. Tell why you are interested or concerned about the issue or bill
  3. Include a personal anecdote about how this bill will affect you, your family, your community, your business, your job, your school, etc.
  4. State the facts, including supporting information and data to support your position
  5. Invite your legislator to contact you to discuss the bill, if desired
  6. Request a reply if you need one
  7. Remember to include a statement of appreciation for consideration of your position

Do’s and Don’t’s When Meeting With Your Legislator or Other Elected Official

Do’s

  • Make an appointment
    • Call or write a letter ahead of time
    • Confirm the appointment
    • Remember that an appointment to talk with your legislator’s aide can also be a good opportunity to state your views
  • Be on time
  • Be positive and friendly, explain the reason for your visit
    • Introduce yourself
    • Tell who you represent
    • Identify the issue you want to discuss
    • Say what you think
    • Outline what you think your legislator or other elected official should do
  • Give facts to support your position
  • Personalize the issue
    • Explain how the bill or action will affect you. Share your personal experience
  • Leave a written statement of your views
    • Include a fact sheet, your name, address, and phone number
  • Have a picture taken with your legislator, if possible
    • Use the picture for publicity
    • If the picture is not taken or did not turn out well, ask for a photo of the elected official
  • Write a thank you letter
    • Thank the legislator, other elected official, or aide
    • Say what happened at the visit
    • List the follow-up steps that the legislator and you said you would take
    • Ask the elected official for a commitment
    • Ask for a reply
    • Send a copy of the photo you had taken, identifying the people in it and the dates

Don’t’s

  • Don’t arrive unexpectedly; legislators will not be able to see you
  • Don’t become angry if the elected official cannot see you
  • Don’t be late for your visit
  • Don’t yell at the legislator or staff
  • Don’t discuss more than two issues
  • Don’t make up information
  • Don’t leave issue papers, action alerts, or other lobbying documents with the staff
  • Don’t forget to write a thank you letter
  • Don’t ignore the elected official for the rest of the year; stay in touch

If these are issues you care about, attend a meeting of the KADSP, become a charter member, be heard! Contact Kathy Olson for more information phone: 620.421.6550 extension 1771 or write her at: 2601 Gabriel Parsons, Kansas 67357

Questions? Feedback about the web site? eMail the webmaster at kolson@ku.edu
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