Citizen Advocacy
We provide training & support for citizen advocates
The Basics of Citizen Lobbying
Individual citizens can have a significant impact in creating the political will for change. You do not have to be a professional lobbyist, you simply need to be passionate on your issue and prepared to be heard in a constructive way. Here are some ways to prepare:
Sign up for e-notifications of which bills most need your attention. (See Link).
Identify your legislators, Go to the Legislative Research Commission website to find your legislator (See Link)..
Invite friends to come along, since there’s strength in numbers. To lobby a legislator not your own, such as a member of a key committee, strive to recruit friends who live in the legislator’s district to join you. Role-play, if you want to build your confidence.
Schedule an appointment, by phone (1-502-564-8100) or e-mail (for addresses, see http://www.lrc.ky.gov/whoswho/email.htm).
Manage your time and info: Realize that the official you will visit is very busy and may not have had time to fully understand the legislation that concerns you. You don’t need to be an expert, but should prepare basic information: The bill number (and name, if it has one). Research the official’s district, if not your own, and their committee assignments, and succinct reasons why the legislation matters to you,
Look for compelling win-win responses to common counter-arguments, such as from false “jobs or the environment” thinking.
Prepare for the day: Pack your notebook, pen and water bottle. Plan enough time to get through security. If you usually carry a penknife, leave it behind.
Dress for Success: Consider wearing a suit or perhaps clothing that reflects your line of work
Tips for Successful Communication
Writing a personal letter to the local district office is better than writing a letter to the offices in Frankfort. Recognize that staffers see your letters and emails, same as phone calls.
Similarly, the most effective contact is to actually call your legislator at their local office. Calls to Frankfort are ok, but staff there often work for several different legislators.
Tweeting or posting on your legislator’s Facebook or Twitter is largely ineffective.
Consider showing up at Town Hall meetings or similar gatherings. Bring a large group armed with your questions.
If you have your own events, invite legislative staffers as guests.
Invite staffers on “field trips” to places that represent the issues you care about.
Contact KCC for additional assitance and advice on how to work with your legislator. Contact us at 502-209-9659 or by email, and we will be glad to assist you.
How Do I Contact My Legislators?
Legislators are “people persons” and want to hear from their constituents, so don’t be bashful. There are several options, depending on the urgency and your comfort level.
Leave a message: 1-800-372-7181. This is painless and effective. Operators accept a message that you dictate, no questions asked, from 7 am to 9 pm ET Monday to Thursday, and 7 am to 6 pm ET Friday, during sessions. You can leave a message for only one legislator, a list of legislators, all members of a committee you name, or all members of the House and/or Senate.
Send a fax: 1-502-564-6543. You can address single or multiple legislators, like the message line.
Send postal mail to a legislator to the Capital Annex, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Send email to a legislator using email address: firstname.lastname@lrc.ky.gov. You may also check this link.
Call direct: 1-502-564-8100. Legislators are very busy during sessions, but many will try to take time to talk to a constituent.
