Legislative: Eleven Tips for Contacting Your Legislators

Legislative: Eleven Tips for Contacting Your Legislators

It’s important to be reminded that while the election is over, our work is not. After attending the Fall Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., it was brought to light that there are so many things we must keep in mind when representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in respect to office visits,
e-mailed or mailed correspondence, and/or phone calls with our lawmakers.

Please take into consideration the following points when planning your correspondence:

E-mails/Letters:

• State your reason for writing in the first sentence.
• Be polite and brief; address only one issue in the letter.
• Let your legislators know that you keep a watchful eye on issues, legislation that is pending in both the House and Senate and how they vote on veterans issues.

Personal Visits:

• Know who you want to speak with and plan your visit in advance.
• Make an appointment with the person you want to speak with.
• Be prompt when arriving for your visit. If you meet with an aide to your Congressman or Senator, show them the same courtesy you would show your legislator.
• Be professional in your approach to your visit. Inflammatory or rude conduct will certainly not advance your goals.
• Be sure you are up to date on the VFW Priority Goals and issues that may arise.
• Let your legislators know that you keep a watchful eye on issues, legislation that is pending in both the House and Senate and how they vote on veterans issues.
• Leave your business card.
• Make follow-up phone calls to whoever you met with to refresh their memory on who you are and why you were visiting.

Pay attention to what you see, hear and learn. You may be dealing with newly elected officials and you certainly want to make a good, lasting impression. You want this to be a positive experience that will help to promote the goals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Legislative Program. Remember, your advocacy can make a difference!