As the government becomes more and more complicated, and as the number and kinds of decision increase, legislators depend on information provided by knowledgeable sources in various fields.

In order to get their job done, our legislators rely heavily on a broad scope of input form many different sources. They receive a great deal of technical information from their staff, agency personnel and professional lobbyists: yet much of what they actually decide depends on the view, interest and preferences of citizens who elected them.

An individual can be most effective in providing information by getting to know legislators from his or her own district on a personal basis. There are numerous opportunities during congressional recesses, and, especially during election campaigns, to meet with and begin to establish contacts with your lawmakers.

Although this personal contact is vital to the establishment of credibility with legislators, communication cannot stop there, Legislators do read their mail and they do consider personal communication.

Remember, you are a constituent. A legislator values your relationship with him or her. Your political party identification and voting habits are unimportant --legislators serve all the people. Your legislators are working to represent you. The support you offer them will make a difference in the decisions they make for everyone.

Legislators like hearing from their constituents. It gives them insight on how people view the issues facing lawmakers. Legislators are quick to say that many of their votes are dictated by the mail and contact they receive from their constituents.

In addition bo being informed, there are some universal principles which apply to working with legislators. To make your actions count and to be heard on issues of concern to you, the following communication tips are suggested.

Before meeting with public officials to support a position, do you homework. Your knowledge of issues and the legislative process produces credibility with your legislator; your credibility dictates your legislator’s level of response.

Rather than using time and energy to contact all the legislators, concentrate n communicating with your local representatives and senators.

Put yourself in the public official’s place. Try to understand their problems, their outlooks, their aims. Then you are more likely to persuade them to do the same in understanding yours. Recognize that there are legitimate differences of opinion.

Contact public officials throughout the year. Invite them to be guests at meetings or workshops. Make yourself a contact point for your legislator within your district. Keep in touch through common interests, issues, or activities.

When making special requests be direct and honest in your approach and get specific commitments from your legislator. Do a follow-up and hold your legislator accountable for his or here commitments.

Commend actions legislators take. Public officials receive dozens of letters requesting action, and sincerely appreciate a thank you.

If a public official makes a reasonable request, try to comply with it. If you tell a public official that you will do something in exchange for certain action, keep the agreement.

Remember that controversial legislation and regulation usually result in compromise. Recognize that each legislator has commitments and that a certain amount of vote trading goes on in a legislature. At times, a legislator may vote against one of your bills: this does not necessarily mean he or she has deserted your whole program. Remember that while some votes may be firmly committed, there will be others that can be swayed on the basis of sound arguments, which are properly presented. Be sensitive to your legislator’s other political necessities.

Be prepared with alternatives of solutions, as el as criticisms. This is constructive opposition.

Never abandon officials by changing your policy or position after they have publicly stated a position you have urged them to take.

Many bills which are tossed into the hopper "by request" are never intended to become law. Consider issues which are wort lobbying and discard the others.

A personal visit with a legislator is one of the most effective means of presenting your position on an issue. Legislators welcome visits from constituents. Correspondence with your legislator on issues will be more meaningful if you have established an ongoing, personal relationship with him or her.

The best way to get to know your legislator on a personal basis is to spend time with them when the legislature is during recess. This is the time when lawmakers come "home" to their constituents to make contact and hear what is on your mind.

If you make an appointment during session, remember that there is no guarantee that lawmakers will be able to keep the appointment as legislative schedules can change on short notice. Also remember that time is a valuable asset. In all contacts, be brief, specific and polite.

Here are some pointers to use when meeting with a legislator:

Try to plan a time to meet with legislators when then can give you the time you need. Most legislative days are hectic: closing days of session are chaotic. Do not be disappointed if your scheduled meeting is delayed or postponed, or if your conversation seems unusually rushed; remember how busy your representative is, and try to accommodate his or her schedule as much as possible.

Accept a meeting with an appropriate staff person if the legislator is unavailable.

Make your appointment in advance, stating the time and need for your meeting, who will be present, and the subject of the meeting.

Do some homework on your legislator’s interests, backers, past votes, district, etc., so you can understand his or her perspective and ask questions accordingly.

If two or more people will attend with you, select one primary spokesperson in advance and agree on your presentation and approach.

In your first sentence, state who you are, who you represent, what you want to discuss, and what you want your legislator to do.

Be brief and specific. Present the facts in an orderly, concise manner. Do not present purely emotional arguments. Present your issue, its impact, and any adverse effects accurately and honestly.

Demonstrate the impact of your legislation or program on your district or organization, and where appropriate, the state. Utilize illustrations, graphs or charts.

Allow time and encourage questions. Answer them factually and not argumentatively. If you do not know the answer to a question, offer to find the answer and forward the information.

Ask for favorable consideration, even a favorable vote. Don’t be afraid to inquire, "Senator, how do you plan to vote on this issue?" If your legislator is still noncommittal after your discussion, ask when he or she plans to make a decision and what information you can provide to help in the process. Be polite, but persistent.

Leave a one-page fact sheet summarizing your points and include your name, address and phone number. Be sure to state the bill numbers and title on your fact sheet.

Follow up by writing a thank you not for his or her time and restate your position.