 | Address your legislator as either
"Senator" or "Representative." |
| Write on your personal or business letterhead, and
identify yourself, your practice, who you serve, and that you are a member of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. |
| Try to keep your letters to one page, and put your
message in your own words. Be short and to the point. |
| Ask the legislator to reply, and ask very directly
whether he or she will support your position. |
| You will get more flies with honey than with
vinegar. Like everyone else, legislators do not like a threatening tone. |
| Be sure that your legislator receives the letter
before action is taken on the issue. |
| Be sure to thank the legislator. |
| Call your legislator at his/her office in
Madison. |
| If you can’t get through to a legislator
directly, ask to speak to the staffer who is handling the issue. Otherwise, convey your message to the
person who answered the phone. |
| Address your legislator as either
"Senator" or "Representative." |
| Be sure to identify yourself, your practice, who you
serve, and that you are a member of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. |
| Keep your call brief - let the other person know in
short and concise terms why you are for or against something -- most calls to legislators only
last a few minutes. |
| Be convincing. Let them know that this is important
to you. |
| Thank him/her for their attention to the matter, and
let them know that you are looking forward to seeing how the legislator votes on the
issue. |
Getting To Know Your
Legislators
Seven Steps to Building An Effective Relationship
Building relationships with key state/federal officials need to be done before
their assistance is needed on an issue. Here is a simple 7-step way to build an effective
relationship with your legislators.
1. Register to vote if you have
not done so already, and be sure to vote in every election.
2. Learn a little about your state
government. On this webpage you will find a short piece entitled "PSW Primer on the
Wisconsin Legislative Process." Take the time to review this brief yet informative
piece.
3. Learn the names of your state
legislators and a little bit about them (IE: backgrounds, number of years as a legislator,
committee assignments, legislation that they have supported, etc.)
4. Put your name on
legislators’ mailing lists. Call your legislators’ offices and ask to be put on
their mailing lists. Legislators frequently mail news briefs to their constituents on
information that is specific to the community.
5. Meet your elected officials.
Personal contact with elected officials is essential to developing effective
relationships. Opportunities may develop through local or state business organizations,
local civic or charitable organizations, or through political functions. PSW will keep you
abreast of opportunities in your area.
6. Invite legislators to tour your
practice site. Legislators jump at the opportunity to personally meet constituents and to
tour businesses/workplaces in their districts. It provides them the opportunity to meet
voters, and will provide you the opportunity to familiarize them with your pharmacy
practice. PSW’s government affairs staff has arranged many of these tours and can
facilitate one for you.
7. Communicate. Call or write your
legislators on both the good and the bad. Let them know when you are pleased with their
actions, and constructively communicate to them when you are not. If you are concerned
about an issue, let your elected officials know how it will affect your practice and your
patients. Remember that you have unique and influential insight to offer on issues.
