Communicating with Local Politicians

Darryl Schmidt  July 18, 2024 at 3:38 pm

Politicians have people coming at them constantly, ill prepared and unable to communicate their idea properly. Blurting out that something sucks is not going to get the result that you’re hoping for.

Do Your Research

Know the Issue

If there’s an issue that you feel passionately about, take the time and learn about that issue. Often things are a certain way because someone with a different opinion than yours has made it that way. Understanding someone else’s point of view can help you better make your point.

Know Your Representative

Take some time to learn about the background of the politician that you’re going to speak with. See if they’ve ever made any statements or voted on anything that’s related to your issue.

Decide What is is That You Want

If you feel that something needs to change, it’s easier to make that change if you have a clear vision of the outcome that you desire. If there’s something that you don’t want in your neighbourhood, suggest a better location that makes sense.

Gather Like Minded People

If you feel strongly about something, it’s possible that there’s other people in your community that feel the same way. By reaching out and having a few informal meetings, you can better understand the issue and other points of view.

Choose Your Contact Method

  • Email: A well-written email can be very effective. Keep it concise, focused, and professional. Use a clear subject line, introduce yourself, and clearly state the issue and your proposed solution.
  • Phone Calls: Calling the office can make a strong impression. Be prepared with a concise script that outlines your main points. Be polite and ask for a follow-up.
  • Letters: A formal letter can stand out. Ensure it is well-structured and free of errors. Handwritten letters can sometimes have a more personal touch.
  • Social Media: Engage with the politician on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Public posts can raise awareness, while direct messages can offer a more private channel.
  • Public Meetings: Attend town hall meetings or public forums where you can voice your concerns directly. Prepare a brief and clear statement or question to maximize your impact.
  • In-Person Meetings: Request a face-to-face meeting. Prepare an agenda and bring supporting materials. Be respectful of their time and stay on point.

Create Your Message

  • Be Clear and Concise: Clearly state the issue, why it matters to you, and what you are asking them to do about it. Avoid jargon and overly technical language.
  • Personalize Your Message: Share your personal connection to the issue. Personal stories can be very compelling and memorable.
  • Be Respectful and Professional: Regardless of your feelings, maintain a respectful and professional tone. This increases the likelihood that your message will be taken seriously.
  • Propose Solutions: Don’t just highlight problems—offer practical solutions or suggestions for how the politician can address the issue.

Follow-Up

  • Persistence: If you don’t get a response, follow up after a reasonable period. Politicians and their staff are often very busy, so polite persistence can pay off.
  • Thank You: If you receive a response or if the politician takes action on your issue, send a thank-you note. This can help build a positive relationship for future interactions.
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Darryl Schmidt

One of my interests is following technology trends and how they can be implemented in a way that benefits people. I do my best to be a community builder and this website is an example of that 🙂

All comments are my own and may not reflect the opinions of the rest of humanity. I’m trying not to be mean so cut me some slack.

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