"How-To" Resources

Writing a Letter
Nonprofit organizations rely greatly on mail campaigns to persuade legislators to support the organizations' positions. Whether you are organizing a mail campaign or writing just one letter from your organization, it is important to keep in mind that the competition is stiff. More than 200,000,000 pieces of mail are sent to Congress each year, and state legislatures are bombarded as well, so give careful thought to your letter.

Personal Visits
Legislators want to hear from you.  The first time you meet your legislator face to face, you may be nervous. Keep in mind, however, that Legislators and their staff people repeatedly say that the information nonprofits provide is important to their decisions, so don’t feel that you are entering the legislator’s office as a supplicant

Presenting Testimony
Testimony can be helpful in communicating your position to legislators, so it is important to know how to give it.  Legislative bodies call for public hearings for a number of reasons.  They may be held to inform the public about issues or for a legislative body to get the information it needs to draft laws or to find out whether legislation is needed.

Finding & Using Data
Effectively using research can help you convey your position to legislators, the public, your board, funders, and members. Credible data can complement personal stories and anecdotes about your cause, thereby making your point more convincing. Gathering research and pulling out the important points that support your position, as well as points that negate the argument of those who oppose your position, will help you to gain supporters for your cause.

Working in Coalitions
Often, one of the most powerful ways for nonprofits to engage in the public policy process is by working in coaltion with other nonprofits. Effective coalitions can amplify nonprofit voices to legislators and the public, as well as allow coalition members to share the cost of their advocacy efforts.

Know the Legislative Process & Players
1) A bill is introduced in at least one chamber of the legislature. 2) It is then assigned to the committee(s) that oversees the issue addressed by the bill. 3) Sometimes, a committee refers a bill to a subcommittee for deeper consideration. ...