Build Relationships with Lawmakers

Build Relationships with Lawmakers

MEETING WITH LEGISLATORS

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH LAWMAKERS

One way to influence issues is to build positive relationships with legislators before you need help. The most impactful time to build relationships is when they are candidates, but you can establish a relationship at any time.

CREATE MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

COMMUNICATE WITH LAWMAKERS

Elected officials represent you. For them to best represent your interests, and the interests of the business community, it is important to let them know what you think and how you want them to vote. To find your elected officials, click here, and enter your zip code in the “Find Officials” box.

EMAIL LAWMAKERS

Email is the most common way to communicate with elected officials. Compared to writing a letter, email allows you to bypass the security screening process that delays postal service delivery.

NFIB action alerts provide ready-to-send email messages directly to your legislators. These prepared letters allow you to send an email as it is written, or you can personalize the message. NFIB encourages you to be as specific as possible about how an issue can or will impact your business and employees. Real world examples help lawmakers understand how legislation affects their constituents.

With NFIB, it is easy to take action. To view federal issues, visit NFIB.com/advocacy/now. For state-specific issues visit your NFIB state page and select Get Involved > Take Action.

 

4 STEPS TO TAKE ACTION:

WANT TO WRITE YOUR OWN EMAIL? KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND:

  • Keep your email short and to the point.
  • Address one issue per email.
  • Use examples or facts to support your position.
  • Personalize the message by including a brief story or example of how the issue affects your business.
  • Be specific and clear on your request. Include a bill number and title if writing about specific legislation.
  • Always be courteous, even if you disagree with the legislator’s stance on an issue.
  • Include your contact information and address so they can confirm you live or work in the district they represent.

CALL LAWMAKERS

A phone call is the fastest way to communicate with elected officials. Some legislators have multiple offices. If you phone a federal legislator about a federal issue, call their Washington, D.C., office. For local or state issues, call their state district office. To look up contact information for your elected officials, click here and enter your zip code in the “Find Officials” box.

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