Lobbying
Taken from Alipac Action Panel on Lobbying Law Makers
http://www.alipac.us/content-25.html

Contact: There are several ways you can lobby law makers. You can express your views to them via e-mail, letters, phone calls, faxes, and personal visits. The strongest message comes from a constituent within the district of the elected official, but since illegal immigration affects us all we should contact many law makers.

Conduct: Many people are angry that our elected officials have not been more diligent in enforcing our laws. Always remember that anger should be expressed in the most articulate and polite ways. If your communication to an elected official is too hostile, it loses its effectiveness. Keep in mind that you may be talking to someone that has supported our issue. Try to check your spelling and always personalize your message to the law maker and include your full name and contact information. There is an old saying "You get more flies with honey than vinegar."

Messages: Keep in mind that people usually communicate to legislators when there is a problem. It is important to take the time to thank legislators that vote in a way you approve of while you are trying to change the legislative behavior of others. Start your communication with your core point at both the begining and ending of your letter, fax, or e-mail. "Please pass bill #555" or "Please take action to enforce our immigration laws" or "Please take action to prevent illegal aliens from receiving driver licenses" or "Please send troops to secure our border" etc...

Letters & Calls: In the golden age of electronics, personal letters and calls are still the most effective way aside from visits to get a politicians attention. It really says something when someone takes the time to write and call. Don't write a book! You should be thorough but remember to be focused on the most important messages you want to convey.

E-mails: Always personalize your e-mails to one law maker at a time. Nothing gets deleted faster than a form e-mail from outside of their district with an open copy at the top showing you sent this same e-mail to many others. It will take you more time, but it is worth the effort. You should also follow up e-mails with a call when you can.

Faxes: Faxes can help, but remember that legislators get a lot of them. They should be personalized and followed up on with visits and/or calls.

Office Visits: Nothing in the world says more than someone that is in a legislator's office. If you decide to visit legislators try to set up a brief appointment. If you can't set an appointment, then stop by during office hours and have a letter or some articles with you. Ask to speak with the legislator briefly and if they are not in then leave your material with an assistant. You may want to try checking by more than once to see the legislator. If staff sees that you are politely doing your best to see someone in person, they will be more likely to help you accomplish that even if it is to get you out of their hair. ---- PLEASE REMEMBER THAT OUR DISCUSSION BOARDS ARE A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN MORE AND WORK WITH OTHERS ON LOBBYING.