Citizen's Handbook to Influencing Elected Officials: Citizen Advocacy in State Legislatures and Congress

Practical guidance how to prepare for and meet with elected officials and staff, how to write effective letters and emails to elected officials, strategies for influencing legislators face-to-face, best practices for communicating with Congress and state legislatures, and how to write persuasive "letters to the editor".

This book is one part research studies, one part interviews and focus groups, and one part experience. It uses available research on Congress and its decision making. Dozens of elected officials, including members of Congress, and their staff agreed to off-the-record interviews and discussed the factors that contribute to their decision-making process.

Strategies for Influencing Legislators Face-to-Face

Best Practices for Communicating with Congress and State Legislatures

Practical Guidance How to Prepare for and Meet with Elected Officials

How to Write Effective Letters and Email to Members of Congress

How to Write Persuasive Letters to the Editor that Get Published

Summary Table of Contents


Part I. How Government Really Works

Ch. 1. How Congressional Offices Work

Ch. 2. Congressional Culture

Ch. 3. How Legislators Make Decisions

Ch. 4. People Who Can (and Can't) Influence Legislators and How They Do It


Part II. How to Influence a Legislator

Ch. 5. Strategies for Influencing Legislators

Ch. 6. Face-to-Face Meetings

Ch. 7. Communications


Appendices

A. The Advocate's Pledge

B. US Constitution and Amendments

C. Declaration of Independence

D. Information about Congress and Washington, DC Index

Complete Table of Contents online at www.CitizensHandbook.com