January 1, 2021
Here's a brief look at what you can do to advocate at different points during the legislative process.
Before a bill is introduced:
- Research the issues involved.
- Research your legislators and their positions.
- Connect with local special interest groups that analyze policy to learn about the bills they are supporting or opposing.
- Encourage your legislators to introduce bills on issues that you care about.
- Tell others why legislators need to act by sharing information in person, via social media and on the Internet.
When a bill is in committee:
- Contact committee members to ask them to support, reject, or amend the bill. Recruit your friends to contact them as well.
- Attend public hearings.
- Testify at the public hearing for or against the bill, particularly if you have a personal story related to the issue.
When a bill is on the floor:
- Contact your legislator to support, reject, or amend the bill.
- Ask your friends to do the same.
- Tell people why you think the bill should or should not pass by posting on social media or writing a letter to the editor in your local newspaper.
When a bill is on the governor's desk:
- Contact the Governor's office to encourage signing or vetoing.
- Identify other people who may have special influence with the Governor, and contact them.