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Next Steps Now That You Are An Advocate
Develop relationships with your Senator and Delegate. They especially value constituents who are genuinely concerned about issues and people.
Don’t underestimate the importance of developing a relationship with the legislative aide. Be able to offer him or her information or other assistance they need. Use the research and information from the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and other credible sources to educate those you want to influence.
To be effective, don’t just take the legislator’s or aide’s time. A grassroots activist with expertise or experience can be extremely valuable by providing information, statistics, and a unique point of view.
Get involved with the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy’s regional chapter teams which meet with your local Senator and Delegate. These meetings can be either in Richmond during the legislative session or at their home office year-round.
Write letters in your own words and by hand to your Senator and Delegate. Personal letters are much more effective than petitions or form letters. The more personal, the better! But, try to focus on only one issue per letter.
When writing your legislator, a personal letter sent by mail or fax is better than an email. During the legislative session, legislators are so inundated with emails, that staff sometimes have a difficult time
Write letters to the editor. Praise good Senators and Delegates and point out policies you disagree with. Praise any legislators when they do something you support.
Raise your issue at Senator’s and Delegate’s town hall or other group meetings. This helps to educate the elected official and the others present.
These are all important; some will be more effective in certain circumstances - some in others. Be Creative!
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