WHO ARE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES?

FIND OUT WHO REPRESENTS YOU in the Texas House and Senate by logging onto the following website: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/fyi/address.htm.  Type your residential address and follow step-by-step instructions.

DON’T ASSUME that just because you like your representative or senator that they will vote the way that you urge them to vote.  You have to let them know very specifically what you want, and ask them for a commitment.

ON THE OTHER HAND DON’T AVOID talking to your representative or senator just because you did not vote for her or him.  Remember that despite the way that you voted, this person now represents you.

TIPS ON VISITING YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL

UNDERSTAND that it’s very helpful to meet with a legislator’s aide if the legislator is not available. This is not a bad sign if you are asked to meet with a staff person.

ASK to speak with the person in the office who works on criminal justice issues.

BE respectful.  Keep the message simple and easy to understand. Be honest, direct, positive and brief.

PROVIDE a one page fact sheet including your contact information or business card if possible.

TELL A STORY. Legislators and their staff are just like the rest of us: they respond to stories about real people. Tell a story of someone you know affected by the system or your personal journey and why you are concerned about this issue.

ASK FOR SPECIFIC ACTION.  Tell them why you care and then make a specific request (support this bill, oppose this bill, support this issue). It’s okay if they don’t commit to a specific action at the meeting but it’s important to make a specific request and then follow up later for a response.

KEEP the communication positive. Never burn bridges. Even if the legislator or the staff person is rude or uncooperative never loose your cool, argue or threaten.

DON’T ANSWER a question if you don’t know the answer.  Don’t guess.  State that you don’t know the answer, write down the question and let the staff person or legislator know that you will get back to them with the answer as soon as possible.  Then make sure to follow up.

REMEMBER -- write a thank you note after your visit!