Do

• Identify yourself and say whom you represent immediately on each contact. Legislators meet hundreds of people and they can't remember everyone.
• Know the issue or the status of the legislation. Refer to the legislation by bill number.
• Be brief. Legislators are very busy.
• Be specific and practical. Relate arguments to situations in the legislator's home district.
• Thank legislators.
• Keep the door open for further discussion even if you don't agree at this time. "Politics make strange bedfellows" is not without foundation.
• Talk with legislators even if their position differs with yours.
• Think of yourself as a consultant to a legislator. You have the expertise and insights that help the legislators understand the bill.
• Be honest. NEVER lie. Acknowledge opposing arguments and any political liabilities.
• Ask the legislator for support.

Don't

• Back legislators into a corner.
• Overwhelm legislators with too much information or jargon.
• Get into lengthy arguments.
• Be afraid you say you don't know. Offer to find out and send the information back.
• Confront, threaten, pressure or beg.
• Expect legislators to be specialists. Their schedules and the number of bills make them generalists.
• Ask the impossible too often.