Legislative Day

Finding your representative is IMPORTANT. You need to know their name, what they do, how they work and what they care about.

Some sound advice from Wayne Jennings:

“Most legislators are generalists on issues. They are people from a variety of occupations. They are not experts in your specific interest. Most legislators are friendly and willing to listen to your concerns. When meeting with a legislator, use the time wisely and effectively. Legislators have extremely busy schedules. Rambling on will only confuse the subject. Know exactly what it is you want and if you can put these issues into a one-page summary helps a lot. Never argue or get angry at legislators. Remember they will eventually be voting on your issue. If they strongly oppose what you want, thank them for their time and move on. If they ask a question you perceive to be naïve or ridiculous, answer it anyway. They are only trying to understand your point. Try to appreciate how much the legislator knows about your issue by the questions she or he asks. If they know a lot about our issue, move quickly to your next point. If they seem to know little about your issue, then spend time on background information. Always be polite and courteous. Despite public perception about politicians, most legislators want to understand what we want and to make intelligent decisions on issues.”

‍Recommended Methods of Contact:
‍
-Face to face
-Letter or Email - articulate your ideas in writing
-Phone call - talk to your legislator directly: Schedule through their assistant.

Whichever method you choose, make sure you start your work at the right time (aka NOW)!

Some more sage advice below:

‍“It really helps if the legislator you are contacting is the person who represents your district or knows your school. If you are a constituent, be sure you make that known. Also, always ASK for their vote. Most legislators will be personable and friendly. But do not mistake friendliness for support.Aim for legislator becoming knowledgeable about your alternative program or school and MAAP’s legislative platform. Share program operations, statistics, successes, and concerns. If they come to know you, periodically you can send them information, news articles; and any good P.R. about your school. Invite them to your school for a visit, maybe to the annual MAAP State Conference, any special events you have at your school (example: graduation ceremony) and have them meet your students and parents. Maybe they can even be on your governing board. Legislators like to be active in their community. They are likely to show up if told the press and photographers will be present.Teachers: Legislators will often listen to students more than the adults. Prepare students to talk with legislators. That preparation can include learning to share some personal struggles they’ve experienced and tell how their alternative school is making a difference. Legislators want to know that programs work for students.”

‍- Wayne Jennings