Advocate

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Stories and emotion work best orally

• Write to or meet with your district supervisor

• Facts are most powerful in writing- bring fact sheet

• Fact sheets should be simple and straightforward

• Follow up with legislative assistants

 

Practice Writing and Telling an Effective Story

• Introduce yourself, tell your personal story

• Explain the challenge and build the tension

• Paint a picture and add details

• Describe the desired outcome

• Conclude—Make the “Ask”

• Thank the listener

 

Lobbying By Personal Visit

• Visit in small groups—bring constituents when possible

• Make an appointment

• Begin on a positive note/be courteous

• Listen carefully

• Clearly state your position and what you are asking from the legislator

• Reinforce meeting with one-page handout

• Meet with aide if legislator is unavailable

 

 

For information on contacting your district supervisors and to learn more about legislation in your area, visit http://www.sfbos.org/.