Indiana APCO is committed to making a difference in our state. One of the best ways to make a difference, is to contact your state and US elected officials and let them know to support legislation that positively affects 911. Below are links to sample letters, instructions on how best to contact your elected officials and links to find those elected officials.
Tips for contacting your Legislators
ELEVEN EASY STEPS TO EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY
Get a Copy of the Proposed Legislation
Review it carefully. What impact will it have, both locally and statewide? What fiscal impact will it have and upon whom? Watch the entire bill carefully for changes as it travels through the process (copies of legislation can be found on the General Assembly website at www.in.gov/legislative).
Know the Facts and Be Accurate In Expressing Them
The most effective lobbyists trade in facts – not influence! What you may lack in experience and contacts can be compensated for with knowledge and research. Be accurate and thorough!
Know the Opposition
Identify the opposition and then analyze it and attempt to neutralize it. Be able to counter the opposing position with as much accuracy and fervor as you argue your cause.
Correct Any Errors Immediately
Errors can happen. If erroneous information is given – admit the mistake and correct it at once.
Plan, Coordinate And Follow Up On Each Contact
Keep careful notes. Follow up a conversation with a written note. Be sure to send a “thank you” when you get a favorable action. Also, talk to the legislator to find out what happened when the vote goes the other way. Try to be aware of major issues and the political atmosphere surrounding those issues.
Know Your Own Legislators and Their Staff
A personal contact is always best. Contacts should be made ideally before the session starts and maintained throughout the year — NOT JUST AT SESSION TIME! Keep in touch. Letters should be personally written. Form letters are not effective.
Refer To Bills by Title and Number
Be Prepared To Testify
Be succinct, polite, courteous, and prompt. Give a copy of your statement to each committee member, but do not just read a statement — know it well!
Be Prepared For Questions
If you cannot answer immediately, say that you will research that question and have the answer — then do it!
Be Patient and Alert
Advocacy can be fun, exhilarating, and challenging as long as you are secure in what you represent and remain comfortable and at ease in the surrounding.
Contact APCO International
Always feel free to contact APCO International legal staff for assistance.
Government Relations
Contacting Your Legislators
Indiana APCO is committed to making a difference in our state. One of the best ways to make a difference, is to contact your state and US elected officials and let them know to support legislation that positively affects 911. Below are links to sample letters, instructions on how best to contact your elected officials and links to find those elected officials.
Tips for contacting your Legislators
ELEVEN EASY STEPS TO EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY
Review it carefully. What impact will it have, both locally and statewide? What fiscal impact will it have and upon whom? Watch the entire bill carefully for changes as it travels through the process (copies of legislation can be found on the General Assembly website at www.in.gov/legislative).
The most effective lobbyists trade in facts – not influence! What you may lack in experience and contacts can be compensated for with knowledge and research. Be accurate and thorough!
Identify the opposition and then analyze it and attempt to neutralize it. Be able to counter the opposing position with as much accuracy and fervor as you argue your cause.
Errors can happen. If erroneous information is given – admit the mistake and correct it at once.
Keep careful notes. Follow up a conversation with a written note. Be sure to send a “thank you” when you get a favorable action. Also, talk to the legislator to find out what happened when the vote goes the other way. Try to be aware of major issues and the political atmosphere surrounding those issues.
A personal contact is always best. Contacts should be made ideally before the session starts and maintained throughout the year — NOT JUST AT SESSION TIME! Keep in touch. Letters should be personally written. Form letters are not effective.
Be succinct, polite, courteous, and prompt. Give a copy of your statement to each committee member, but do not just read a statement — know it well!
If you cannot answer immediately, say that you will research that question and have the answer — then do it!
Advocacy can be fun, exhilarating, and challenging as long as you are secure in what you represent and remain comfortable and at ease in the surrounding.
Always feel free to contact APCO International legal staff for assistance.
Sample letters:
Sample letter 1
Sample Letter 2
Find your United States Senators and Representatives
Senators (https://www.senate.gov/states/IN/intro.htm)
Representatives (house.gov/representatives#state-indiana)
Find your Indiana Representatives
Legislators (iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/)
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