FAQs

Do be courteous and friendly. Refer to Legislators as ‘Senator [Last Name]’ or ‘Delegate [Last Name].’

Do take the opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ whenever it arises.

Do know the issues thoroughly and be familiar with all sides of an issue. (Stay informed by signing up for MCA’s Advocacy E-List and by checking our website regularly.)

Do be a good listener. You will have a better chance to address any objections to arts funding if you know why your elected official is opposed.

Do humanize your message. Include anecdotal stories about how programs and public dollars impact real people.

Do make sure your elected officials are on your mailing list if you work for a cultural organization.

Do send personalized invitations to them for performances, exhibits, special events, and receptions. If they attend, acknowledge their presence publicly and thank them for their support.

Do get to know elected officials’ staff members and keep them informed on an ongoing basis. Invite staff members to events and cultural programs as well as the elected officials.

Do participate in building strong local and statewide coalitions with other cultural, civic, educational and business institutions in the public and private sector. These partners are invaluable tools for garnering support.

Do enlist legislators you know are supportive of the arts to lobby their colleagues to come over to your position.

Do use your enthusiasm, smiles, and eye contact to keep your legislators engaged.

Don’t preach or lecture.

Don’t use a negative or intimidating tone.

Don’t expect your meeting with your legislator to be long, especially when the General Assembly is in session. Maximize your time by whittling down your presentation to include an opening statement, a few supporting details, a closing summary, and a request.

Don’t bluff. If you don’t know an answer, say so, and call back with the correct information at the next opportunity.

Don’t accept a general answer to your request. In a positive manner, request the official’s specific views on the issue in question.

Don’t wait until the last minute to contact your elected official about an issue before the legislature.

Advocacy is an ongoing process. Legislators face so many competing causes that one visits or one letter won’t make much of an impact. Open the door for further communication by following up. Follow up a meeting with a note thanking them and further explaining points brought up at the meeting. Follow up a letter with a phone call. Not only will you be able to state your position again, you will make a stronger, more memorable impression on your legislator and his/her staff.

Now that you have learned the basics for cultivating a relationship with your elected officials, please visit this website to find contact information for all the current Senators and Delegates that serve on the budget committees. These committees make the recommendations to the full House and Senate on the Governor’s budget bill. Their recommendations are typically followed, so these legislators are ones to focus on contacting about the Arts!

Please note that some of our campaigns also include a video feature that allows you to send your story directly to your lawmaker. These are particularly powerful and help to create an impactful message.

Personal Letters vs. Form Letters

Using your own words has more impact than simply forwarding a form letter. Form letters can serve as good models for composing your own personal response, but including a personalized note or anecdote makes a higher impact.

Letter Checklist

• Make sure your return address is on the letter, not just on the envelope.
  
• If you are writing to an official in your district, include your voter registration number to let them know you’re a registered voter in his/her district.
• Address the envelope and the letter “The Honorable [Full Name].” Use Dear Senator, Delegate, Congressman, or Congresswoman [Last Name] in the salutation.
• If you are writing in regards to a specific piece of legislation, identify the bill number within the first few sentences of the letter.
• Focus on one issue per letter.
• Indicate the action you want the official to take, the need for the action, and how it will benefit your cause.
• Be sure to thank the official, even if they don’t support your position.
• In general, brevity is the best route – try and make your letter as clear and concise as possible.

• Write down the key points you want to make before you call.
• If the official isn’t available, ask to speak to the official’s assistant. Make sure to get their name.
• Introduce yourself, state your position and the name of your organization if applicable.
• Keep the conversation to the point.
• Make sure to leave your name, address and telephone number so someone can call you back with the official’s position on the issue.
• Thank the official/assistant for their time.