How best to communicate with legislators
The most effective way to communicate a message to legislators is to make it person and to tie it directly to their constituents, advised Matt Keelen of The Keelen Group. He also advised NPA members during a quick training before they headed to the hill:
- Not to be intimidated by legislators because they are people, too. Plus, he said: “You are a constituent, you are a voter and they serve you.”
- Be respectful and check personal politics at the door.
- Do not be discouraged to meet with legislators’ staff because they are the “gateway to federally elected officials” and could one day be elected officials.
- Use layman’s terms and clearly describe key issues because most members of Congress and their staff are not intimately familiar with industry’s issues.
- Be clear with requests for support and stay on topic so the main message is not diluted.