|
|
- Proper Preparation is Essential –
Do Your Research.
Understand your Member of Congress' background, political philosophy
and previous positions and activities on public transportation
issues and SAFETEA-LU – learn if he or she is a current supporter
of SAFETEA-LU. His or her position on public transportation issues
will set the tone of your communication. All Members of Congress
have their own Web sites - this is an excellent place to start
your research.
- Know Your Message.
State your message clearly at the beginning of your communication
("I am writing/calling to ask you to support an increase
in funding for public transportation.) Use supporting messages to underscore your main
message throughout all of your communications.
- Make Sure Your Member Knows that
You are a Constituent.
Be certain to communicate your position as a constituent. Your
Member of Congress needs to understand the meaningful and personal
reasons why you are writing him or her. Your communication will
stand out and demand more attention if the Member knows that you
are a constituent.
- Be Brief.
When you compose your communication remember to be brief, concise,
neat – get to your point right away. Always remember to
check your spelling and grammar before sending it. If you are
leaving a phone message, remember to be brief and concise.
- Relate Your Messages to Your Personal
Life.
In addition to stating facts/figures in your communication, it
is tremendously compelling to express the personal impact that
public transportation has had on your life, your job, your family
and friends, and your community. By bringing the impact of public
transportation to life for your Member of Congress, you will give
him or her a powerful reason to support the legislation.
- Know the Facts.
Support your messages by referencing facts/figures to show that
you are knowledgeable about SAFETEA-LU and/or public transportation
issues in your community. Members of Congress are required to
take positions on many different issues. You may find that your
Member is lacking important details about SAFETEA-LU and other public
transportation issues. Your role is to help educate your Member
by sharing information that demonstrates why SAFETEA-LU is so critical.
- Develop an Ongoing Relationship.
Use this communication as an opportunity to develop an ongoing
relationship with your Member of Congress. The close of your communication
should clearly express an interest in maintaining an ongoing dialogue
with your Member and keeping the door open for future opportunities
to work together or communicate.
- Invite Your Member of Congress to
Visit Your Transit Authority.
To help facilitate a relationship, invite your Member of Congress
to visit your transportation authority next time he or she is
in your neighborhood. The invitation could be for an informal
meeting or to participate in a more formal event (i.e., celebration
of the 3rd anniversary of the light rail system or a press event
announcing the groundbreaking of a new station) where the official
could meet with constituents and receive media attention.
- Summarize Your Thoughts.
Before ending your communication, summarize your messages and
requests ("To conclude, I would appreciate your support for
greater funding for public transportation.”).
- Say "Thank You."
|
| |
|
|
