Advocacy Toolkit
Resources designed to help you effectively advocate for people affected by problem gambling and raise support for crucial programs and services.
Ten Tips for a Successful Meeting with an Elected Official
When meeting with an elected official, every minute is crucial. Be ready to listen carefully, share your perspective, answer questions on a variety of topics, and cite facts to support your position. Don’t forget to ask them how you can help — the less work they have to do, the more likely they are to assist you.
How to Draft Legislative Testimony
Be as clear and succinct as possible in your testimony, supporting your claims with strong evidence. Be prepared to give brief, on-topic answers to any questions posed by the Committee. Don’t be afraid to say that you don’t know the answer, but make sure to follow up when you learn it.
Tips For Inviting an Elected Official to Your Event
Finding time in an elected official’s schedule is difficult, but not impossible. For the best chances, schedule your event far in advance and include multiple options for dates and times. In your invitation, set clear expectations and explain how attending the event will benefit the elected official.
How to Write a Letter to an Elected Official
Many officials have an automated filter that sends generic language straight to the trash folder. When writing an elected official, it’s okay to use a template for inspiration, but you should always write in your own words. After all, your specific story is what they’ll remember — not another cookie-cutter letter.
Legislative Staffer Position Descriptions
When you’re scheduling a meeting with an elected official, you’ll usually meet a member of their staff first. To make the process as smooth as possible, you should familiarize yourself with some typical roles, including the Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, Legislative Assistant, Scheduler and Caseworker.