The media: Media coverage of events will often have an influence on what elected officials talk about in hearings and introduce as legislation.The message: What you say to elected officials is actually important! Latter sections of this document will help you develop a winning message.Personal relationships: Friends, family, and staff members have a tremendous influence on the day-to-day decisions of elected officials.Your voice does matter in this process, and the only way to make a difference is by using it to advocate for the issues you care about. Our system of government is slow-moving and complex, but the legislation that makes its way through this process has the potential to fundamentally change the way our society functions. While government does not function perfectly, and it can sometimes be hard to make your legislators listen, effective communication strategies can increase the chances of your opinion having an impact. However, these common narratives must be challenged. Politicians don’t listen to an average citizen. After all, conventional wisdom holds that the political process is corrupt and the government is broken. It may seem as if one person cannot affect the legislative process. Advocacy organizations represent the views of like-minded individuals when it comes to supporting or opposing bills but the most powerful voice still belongs to the individual constituent. Ending the Slaughter of Nonambulatory PigsĮvery piece of legislation starts as an idea, and that idea can come from a legislator, a staff member, a professional lobbyist, or an “average citizen.” Legislation succeeds or fails depending on a number of factors.State Wildlife Agency Contact Information.How to Communicate Effectively with Legislators.United States Legislative Information (external link).

Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act.Farm Animal Anti-Confinement Legislation.Cetacean Anti-Captivity Legislation and Laws.Anti-whistleblower (“Ag-Gag”) Legislation.Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act.Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act.Shaping Policy for Animals in Laboratories.

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