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What Not to Do

What Not to Do

When Building a Relationship with your Legislator Don’t…

  • Verbally attack or threaten your legislator no matter how much you think they deserve it. Today's state legislator might be tomorrow's governor. If an elected official opposes your viewpoint, but respects you, you may find common ground in the future on another issue. But if you make an enemy, they may take extra steps to defeat the policies you support.
  • Fail to listen to elected officials' comments and questions on an issue. They will inform you of the legislator’s interests.
  • Fake It. If you don’t know the answer to a question, acknowledge you don’t know. Find ways to follow-up to address their issues.
  • Lie to or mislead a legislator. Trust is an essential part of relationships.
  • Overwhelm a legislator with too much information or paperwork. Provide them with key information and be ready to supply additional information as necessary.
  • Forget to thank someone who was helpful. Whenever possible, let your membership know how helpful the person has been.

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  • Now Online community renewal society annual report
    The Community Renewal annual report. The digital version of our print piece adds life and context to our work. Take a moment to browse the site and explore the excitement and impact that was fiscal year 2007.

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