Political leaders are greatly influenced by public opinion. In fact, politicians keep close tabs on the issues constituents raise in letters, meetings, phone calls and editorial pages of local papers.
Encourage change by contacting your elected representative. Read below for tips on letters, phone calls and meetings.
LETTERS TO POLITICIANS
One letter represents more than a 1,000 opinions at the federal level. The ratio declines as you move down the levels of government. Generally, the more time and thought involved in communicating to a politician, the greater your opinion is valued.
TIPS
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You do not need a long, detailed letter.
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You do not have to be an "expert".
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Request a specific action as well as expressing a concern.
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If you don't have time to write out your full position, attach an article or short summary of a study that makes your point.
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Point out that the priorities the politician has expressed about job creation, human health, a healthy economy, etcetera are not at odds with protecting the environment.
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Commend politicians for any good work and statements they make.
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Have fun! Get together with friends and food for a letter writing fest.
PHONE CALLS
You don't write to your sister, you call her. You can phone your politician, too. While you may not get through to your elected representative, you can talk to the office staff. Ask that your position and specific request for action is forwarded to the politician.
MEETINGS
Face-to-face encounters with your elected officials can move him or her from taking a passive to an active interest.
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Share new information with them.
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Go with another informed person. If possible, a person who is particularly relevant for the discussion or an unexpected ally: a local business person, economist, scientist, doctor, religious or community leader.
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Be specific about what you want that politician to do.
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Make sure your request is within the jurisdiction of whatever level of government the politician is capable of influencing.
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Take accurate notes of what they say and commit to, and if they're really meaningful share them with other people and organizations that would find them useful.
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Narrow your discussion an stick to your point.
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Leave brief, well-selected back ground material (articles, a report, polling results).
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If you can't meet with your elected official, meet with his or her assistant.
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Follow up with a letter restating your position and his/her commitments (or lack thereof).
Source: www.davidsuzuki.org
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