WHAT IT TAKES TO BE POLITICALLY INVOLVED

There are three levels of political involvement.  The higher levels require more commitment, but they also produce the most rewards.

BASIC POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT

The most basic level of political involvement requires minimal action.  Educators involved at this level are well informed about the issues. 

MODERATE POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT

Moderately involved educators stay informed on education issues and are capable of educating others about them.  Many teachers accomplish this level by regularly visiting education websites, reading news articles and reading PEN's weekly email blasts.  Moderately involved educators call and write elected officials on issues of importance to them.

ADVANCED POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT

Educators who have reached this level truly influence officeholders.  They meet with their local elected officials and know those officials' positions on issues. They conduct letter writing and phone campaigns to get other educators involved.

HOW TO LOBBY IN THIRTY MINUTES OR LESS

Anyone can be a lobbyist, even busy teachers.  Lobbying is merely communicating, building a working relationship with your legislators and then acting as a resource for them when they need information on issues within your expertise.  Are you ready to get started?  Decide how much time you have to spend, keeping in mind that the more time you dedicate to getting to know your legislators, the more influence you'll have with them.  

The 5-Minute Lobbyist

• Read PEN's weekly email blast or education-related news articles.
• Forward messages to your colleagues or discuss their contents with a colleague.

 The 15-Minute Lobbyist

• Read PEN's weekly email blast or education-related news articles.
• Spread the word to colleagues when it is time to act on a bill.
• Call, write, or e-mail your legislator and encourage him/her to take a specific action on the bill.

 The 30-Minute Lobbyist

• Read PEN's weekly email blast or education-related news articles.
• Discuss the latest issues with colleagues to spur them into action.
• Call, write, or e-mail your legislator to influence him/her to act or thank them for voting on a bill.
• Write, call, or e-mail the members of the legislative committee currently hearing a particular bill.

If you do not know your legislators, go to www.myflorida.com  enter your zip code in the Find Your Legislator section (bottom right corner).

COMMUNICATION WITH POLICYMAKERS

Political involvement is nothing more than building relationships, so your first and most important job is establishing communication with officeholders. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COMMUNICATE WITH OFFICEHOLDERS?

ALL YEAR, EVERY YEAR!!!  During the campaign season, the legislative session, and the interim, all PEN members and others interested in becoming politically active should write, call, and set up appointments with their elected officials.  The Florida Legislature operates on a regular legislative starting on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March not to exceed 60 calendar days.  Special sessions are called as needed.   Invite your House or Senate member or School Board member to your classroom.  Let them see the GREAT things that are happening in the Florida schools.

HOW SHOULD WE COMMUNICATE?

Whether you are meeting face to face with officeholders or communicating via letters, e-mail or phone calls, follow these tips for success:

• Identify yourself. Introduce yourself as a constituent and/or PEN member. Informing officeholders that you are an educator tells them that you are an education expert with unique and invaluable insight.
• Know your facts.  If you don't feel confident discussing a particular issue, do some research.  The internet and PEN lobbyists are great resources.
• Localize your information.  Put a local spin on any issues discussed to let your legislator know how they will affect the constituents in his district.  What is this going to do for my school?
• Get to the point and state your position. Officeholders' time is just as valuable as yours.
• Get to know the legislators' staff.  Legislative aides and other staff members are great resources for information and can also help influence legislators.  A good relationship with the staff is a MUST!  They are often a link to the legislator.
• BE RESPECTFUL!

MEETING FACE-TO-FACE           

Meeting with legislators one-on-one is important for two reasons:  you get the opportunity to begin a relationship and the chance to inform them about issues that are important to you.  Legislators spend most of their time in their district when they are not in session, so you can meet with your legislator in your district.

Before the meeting:

• Call ahead.  Scheduling the meeting at least two weeks in advance is a good idea.
• Prepare for the meeting.  Think through or write down the points you want to make and develop an agenda.

During the meeting:

• Focus on a maximum of three issues per meeting.
• Be concise and well organized.  Don't monopolize the conversation.  Lay out your issues early to allow time to get your officeholders' thoughts on the issues.
• Don't guess.  If you are asked a question to which you do not know the answer, simply inform the officeholder that you will find the answer and get back to him.  PEN can help you find the answer.  BE SURE TO GET BACK WITH HIM.
• Leave a one-page summary of your key points and your contact information.
• After the meeting
• Always send a thank you letter.  In it, briefly restate the points discussed during the meeting and include any additional information that you promised to send.

WRITING LETTERS

Besides a face-to-face meeting, a letter written on stationery and sent via US mail is the most effective means of communicating with legislators.

Research shows that letters influence officeholders more than other forms of communication, because legislators know how easy it is to send an e-mail or fax. They feel that someone who takes the time to write a letter is showing a true commitment to the issue.  So get your pen and paper and follow this advice:

MAKING PHONE CALLS

There are some points in the legislative session when there simply isn't enough time to schedule a meeting or send a letter.  During this time, phone calls are the most effective means of communication.  Ringing phones can't be ignored!!  When making phone calls to legislators, follow these guidelines:

• Familiarize yourself with the issues beforehand.
• Identify yourself as a constituent and/or a teacher.
• Note the bill number and state your position on the issue.
• Tell your legislator what you would like them to do (vote for, against or amend a bill).
• Ask for the legislator's position on the bill.