So, there’s a lot happening in Washington right now. If you’ve been following, you’re probably suffering a bit of whiplash from the negotiations of an infrastructure plan, a massive $3.5 trillion appropriations bill and the looming debt ceiling.
Honestly you shouldn’t feel bad if you’re a bit confused by it all – even the pros’ heads are spinning. Unfortunately, these times of confusion are often when you’ll see calls to action from the advocacy organizations you support. As the debate rages, opportunities arise for activists to participate. At the same time, these massive bills and all that back-and-forth can make it seem daunting for the average Joe or Jane to weigh in.
If you or your fellow advocates are looking for a sure fire guide on effectively communicating with your congressman, these three tips work in busy times and slow alike:
Be Bold
For about a decade I spent a lot of time each week reading correspondence from constituents. The most frustrating times were when I devoted that time to a letter and walked away not quite knowing what the sender wanted. They’d write around an issue without leaving a clear “ask.”
I’d argue that you’re best served putting your ask at the very top of the letter. This is an old trick in the Marine Corps – we call it the BLUF, or Bottom Line Up Front. We do love an acronym in DOD, don’t we?
The BLUF frames the ‘why’ of your communication. It lays out the decision you’re trying to prompt, and allows the remainder of the letter to stand as context for that request. To be bold in your correspondence, build in a BLUF.
Be Brief
Did I mention I spent a lot of time reading correspondence? The average member of congress will receive thousands of letters, emails and phone calls every week. Legislative concerns are sorted amongst a DC staff while the District staff leans into issues where constituents are seeking help with agencies. There’s some cross-pollenating along the way and both offices often end up dwelling on similar letters throughout the week.
Good staffs work to respond to all of those concerns, helping their member of congress absorb and and reply to as many as humanly possible. The challenge comes when well-intentioned advocates blend issues, concerns and stories into a narrative that drags on and on. For instance, I once received a fax from a fellow who sent a missive that ran to about 75 PAGES.
Length aside, the narrative in the letter meandered between oddball questions and far-fetched claims, ultimately leaving several staff baffled over what he was seeking. In that case, a 5 minute phone call revealed that he needed help getting a new social security card.
I don’t know what it is about contacting your legislator – but so many of us assign it a level of significance in our own minds that we become inclined to act, write and speak differently in the action of it. You’re not expected to contribute a new paragraph to the Declaration of Independence. You’re best served by clearly, and concisely stating the context that supports your BLUF.
Remember that elected officials, and their staffs, are still human. To reach your goals faster, respect their time and be brief.
Be Available
But even when we are brief and to the point, there’s often a need for follow-up and good old fashioned relationship building to get across the finish line. Despite the common sense behind that concept, you may be shocked to know just how many folks neglect, or willfully choose, to not include their contact information!
Whether it’s a letter without a return address, an anonymous email, a mass produced postcard, or a comment on a social media post, there are countless activists out there not leaving the door open for the elected official or their staff to respond. Contrary to what you may believe, there’s no master list of all the residents in a congressional district. The staff can’t snap their fingers and find out just who needs help.
And more than just leaving sound contact information, I think you should go a step further and offer a reason for follow-up. If you’re contacting them about a legislative issue, invite the member to tour your business or organization or to meet with your volunteers. Too often we wait until an issue arises to build those opportunities for engagement. What an opportunity missed! Instead, write your representative with an intention of bringing them into your fold. Be available and watch your influence grow.
BONUS: Tell Your Story
Ok, I said three but you get a bonus today. Always, and I mean always, remember that you’re not expected to be a technical expert on every aspect of a problem. What you bring to the table is how that problem confronts you in your daily life and a unique perspective on what could be done to mitigate it.
Get out of the habit of living in the weeds of legislation – there are lots of folks living there. Get in the habit of building an effective, quick story that captures your problem. You’d be surprised how a 30 second story can move a decision-maker into your camp.
So what do you think? Will these three tips will help you get over the hump and send that short letter? Leave a comment and let me know!
Part of the Possible 