COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

The letter is a direct way to communicate with a state or federal legislative office. Michael Jameson, legislative research assistant for Concerned Women for America, says, "Many legislators believe that one letter represents the sentiments of at least 100 other constituents who failed to write in." Individually written letters, rather than mass-generated form letters, make a greater impression on your legislator. Type your name, address, and phone number at the top. The Oklahoma State Legislature's session usually begins in early February. When the legislature is out of session, it may be more effective to send your letter to your legislator's district office.

TIPS ON WRITING YOUR LEGISLATOR

(Letters, emails, or faxes)

Address for Oklahoma state officials:

The Honorable (Full Name)

Oklahoma State Senate or House of Representatives

State Capitol Building

2300 North Lincoln Boulevard

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Dear Senator or Representative (Last Name):

Visit http://www.lsb.state.ok.us  to get your legislator's specific office number, phone number, and email address. You can also preview the text of pending bills at this site.

To improve the effectiveness of your letter during the legislative session:

·        Pray. All our good efforts cannot equal God's providential work in the affairs of men. "If God is not at work, we labor in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)

·        Be specific and informed. Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, be sure to identify its full name and number (HB # or SB #).

·        State your position. Explain why you support or oppose this particular issue. Keep in mind that local examples concerning the impact of this legislation are very powerful.

·        Be courteous and to the point, keeping your letter focused on one issue.

·        If you send a handwritten letter, be neat and legible. For all correspondence, use a dictionary and have someone proofread your letter to eliminate spelling or grammatical errors.

·        Ask for a response. Indicate to your legislator that you would appreciate a reply containing his or her position on the issue.

·        "Sincerely yours" is a proper way to conclude your letter.

·        Follow up. If you agree with your legislator's vote, take the time to let him or her know that. Similarly, if you disagree with his or her vote, inform your legislator.

TIPS ON PHONING YOUR LEGISLATOR

To find your state legislator's phone number, you may call the state capitol switchboard at 405-521-2011 and ask for your senator and/or representative's office. Local office numbers can be found at www.lsb.state.ok.us.

Telephone calls are often taken by a staff member and not the actual legislative member. You may leave a message. If you speak with someone other than your legislator, write down his or her name and title.

Upon reaching your state legislator on the phone, it's easiest to follow these four basic steps:

·        IDENTIFY yourself by name, address, and phone number.

·        EXPLAIN why you are calling: "I am calling to support/oppose HB____/SB____."

Be polite and concise. Give one or two reasons for your position. Too much information may confuse your message.

Ask your legislator his or her position on this issue. Don't assume that your legislator has prior knowledge of your issue.

·        REQUEST a written response to your phone call if you did not speak to your legislative member. If the legislator requires further information, provide it as soon as possible.

·        THANK the person who took the phone call for his or her time and consideration.