Ten Ways to Talk to a Legislator

1.  Get an appointment. Call your legislators' nearest district office and ask to see him or her on their next trip home (usually a Friday during the legislative session).

2.  If you are in Sacramento for business or pleasure, go and see them there.

3.  Don't be awed by your legislators. You probably know more about your issue than they do. So act confident, even if you don't feel it.

4.  Know your facts and keep your points concise. Make your pitch early on, and limit the entire meeting to ten minutes.

5.  Be a good listener.

6.  Don't let them evade the issue.

7.  Hard questions do not mean that the legislator is against you. Use all questions as an opportunity to let him or her hear more about your issue.

8.  If the legislator is on your side, make him or her feel good about it.

9.  Press for a commitment (unless the legislator is clearly opposed).

10.  If your legislators are not available, visit their offices anyway and nurture relationship with staff while you're there.