Arts Advocacy: how-to write your legislator

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ADVOCACY HOW-TO

On the website of California Secretary of State Debra Bowen information can be found concerning:

Campaign Finance: Who is contributing money, who is receiving money and how is it being spent?

Lobbying Activity: Who are California's lobbyists, who is hiring them and how are they paid?

To find contact information for your legislators in the California Assembly and Senate all you need is your zip code! Visit the Americans for the Arts site and use the handy search function. The California Legislative Action Center also offers some excellent advocacy tools. If you join our Arts Action Network, we will alert you to important pending legislation and deadlines. These alerts will also be posted here. Find out how to write to your legislator effectively. Need more help? View a sample letter.

Advocacy Tips

Advocacy is all about action. Speaking out on important issues — in person, on the phone, via letters, faxes, emails, or phone calls, as an individual or in a group — is part of the democratic process. Make the most of the opportunity.

Do your homework. Learn as much as possible about the issue of concern.
Choose the method that is most comfortable for you. There are many ways to make your opinions known. The important thing is to do it.
Have a clear, focused purpose for your action. Address one issue at a time. And use the facts. The more prepared you are, the more persuasive you can be.
Be specific about what you want to achieve. What do you want your senator, representative, or other public official to do?
Communicate as a constituent. Show the legislator or official specifically how his or her constituency is affected by or concerned about the issue.
Be courteous and reliable. Do not promise what you can not deliver in terms of help or information. Leave your contact information. And always follow up on requests for additional materials or further clarification.

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