Return-Path: <nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.9.3/8.9.0.Beta5/980425bjb) with SMTP id PAA15953; Tue, 22 Feb 2000 15:46:52 -0500 (EST) Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2000 15:46:52 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <NCBBKFFJMKFIFAGAFGNEIEEFCGAA.tpeyton@famlit.org> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Tony Peyton" <tpeyton@famlit.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-FAMILY:2747] Advocacy X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook IMO, Build 9.0.2416 (9.0.2910.0) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 2037 Lines: 37 As you all think about your questions on the legislative and political processes in Washington, D.C., consider the following . . . Today is the best day to start a relationship with your Congressman or Senator's office, if you haven't already. And if you already have such a relationship, take a moment to drop them a line. Tell them about your work, the lives you touch everyday. Let them know that what they've done in the past is working and what they might do in the future can return even more results. As former congressional staffers, we know the value of the personal contact that a constituent might have with an office. After nearly 20 years of combined "Hill" time, several things are clear -- first, it's the contact from back home that matters more than anything. We've worked for 5 different Members of Congress over our careers. We've heard from hundreds of Washington lobbyists, had to deal with a ton of generated mail, and been inundated with broadcast and print advertising. But, often, that avalanche of professional media can be overcome with a handful of phone calls and letters from the District/State. Don't underestimate the power of the pen or the phone. And don't underestimate the impression you might bring through a congressional staffer to the boss when you're not asking for something -- only sharing the good news of why their work is important. One of the complaints about citizen lobbyists (and don't be fearful of the term "lobbyist") or non-profit lobbyists is that they are like "normal" lobbyists -- they don't take the time to establish a relationship with a lawmaker and his or her staff. Break the mold. The people you serve will be better for it. The communities in which you work will be stronger. And, no small feat, you'll have educated a lawmaker and his or her staff -- starting today. The simple fact of the matter is: you're relevant. Take the time to take advantage of that fact. "Keep those cards and letters coming." Tony Peyton and Alan Lopatin Guest Moderators
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