Your Voice Counts:
Tips for Powerful Advocacy

Advocacy is not hard. Still, it is estimated that only 10 percent of all Americans will write to their congressperson or state legislator in their lifetime. But your representative knows that if you feel strongly enough to contact him or her about an issue, there are many others who feel as you do. So when you take the time to contact your legislators, you're raising your voice not just for yourself but also for many others!

There are three basic advocacy tools: letter writing, calling, and visiting. Regardless of which method you use, there are some basic points to remember when communicating with policymakers. First, your credibility is vital so be truthful and fair. Second, always be courteous. This goes without saying, of course, but some of us do get a little hot under the collar when talking about issues we feel strongly about. Keep in mind that your message will be better received if you can make your points firmly but politely. It pays to remember that your opponent today maybe an ally on another issue tomorrow so you won't gain anything by burning bridges.
 
Tips for Effective Letter Writing:
A personal letter from a constituent is a very powerful advocacy tool. Here are some tips to help you get your message across.

Be Brief. Remember that policymakers often have a lot to read. Therefore, try to get your entire message on one page. If writing longhand, take care to write legibly.

Be focused. Address only one issue per letter. In a short first paragraph, state the issue and your position and use the rest of the letter to support it. If the subject of your letter is a bill, cite it by name or number if that information is available. Be personal. Try to help your representative understand your position by giving him the personal side of the issue; tell your story.

Be factual. Write your policymaker from a strong knowledge base. Where necessary, use key facts to support your position. Be original. Letters are more effective when they are original. But  if you don't have time to start from scratch, use sample letters which are often prepared by advocacy organizations. Consider personalizing the letter by adding information about how the issue affects you, your family or community.

Be persistent. Legislators need to be able to tell their colleagues that they have been inundated with calls and letters supporting a particular position.

Be grateful. Thank your legislators if they have a good record of support. Our friends need to know that their support is appreciated.

Be confident. Your voice counts.

What about Email?
Email is a fast and easy way to contact your representatives. However, you need to consider a few things if you're going to use email. First, recognize that it's easy for your message to get "lost" in email clutter. After all, how many times do you just quickly glance at your own email? In addition, be cautious about the informal style most of us use when writing email messages; such a style is not well suited to communicating with legislators.

Generally, a mailed (or faxed) letter makes a better impression and is most likely to get the attention of legislators and their staffers. However, it's more important to get your message out than to wait until you have the time to compose a letter -- especially if you know that time will never come!  When sending an email, keep in mind the letter writing tips noted above. If time is short, you may want to consider calling your legislator (see below).

Tips for Effective Calling 
Calling your legislators is very effective, particularly in the days just before they are scheduled to take action or vote on your issue.

Basic advocacy and letter-writing tips apply here too: advocate from a strong knowledge base and do so in an honest, brief and focused manner. It's probably even more important to be concise on the phone because time is often very short.  To prepare for the  conversation, jot down a few notes containing the key points you  want to make, and refer to the notes during your call. Although it is generally most effective for you to call legislators in their main office, which is where most of their staff is located, you may also call their district office to avoid a toll charge.

Unless you know the elected official, you will almost always speak with a staff person and not the official directly. Don't feel put-off. In fact, when calling ask to speak to the legislative aide  who handles disability issues. This person serves as the eyes and ears of the legislator and is the person the legislator relies upon to learn how an issue affects the district. Over time, as you develop relationships with key staff members, you will come to be seen as an authoritative and valuable information resource.

Hopefully, the next time an important disability-related issue is being considered, that staff person will turn to you for your opinion, and will convey your views to the legislator directly.

Tips for Effective visiting
Visiting a legislator is probably the most effective method of advocating. Again, more than likely, you will meet with a staff person, not the member. Keep these points in mind when you are preparing for the visit:

· You will have a limited amount of time – probably only 5-15 minutes. Therefore, be on time and make good use of your time.

· Consider visiting with a group. You may feel more confident surrounded by likeminded allies. If you go in a group, make sure you plan out who's going to have what speaking roles.

· Explain how the issue you are addressing affects you personally and the community in which you live.

· Ask the legislator or staffer for a clearly committed statement regarding her position on the issue. Use questions  like, "how will you (your boss) vote on this bill?" or "how do you (your boss) feel about this issue?"

· Thank your legislator if he has a good record of support. Our friends need to know that their support is appreciated.

· If your legislator does not seem supportive, express your disappointment in simple terms, leave the door open for her to reconsider, and offer any assistance you can while she formulates her final positions.

· If questions arise which you cannot answer, make note of them and offer to get back to the staff or legislator with an answer. Then, make sure you follow up.

· Send a thank you letter to the legislator for the meeting. If you met with staff, mention that person in your letter. Include any information you promised and remind the legislator or staffer of any commitments he made. Leave an opening for further communication. For example, invite your legislator to visit a group in your community or attend an event. Or, just ask to be kept informed of legislative activities on your issue.

"PARTICIPATION IS THE KEY TO POLITICAL ADVOCACY"

The most valuable commodity
of today's society is information;
to a person with a disability it is essential.

Civilization happens because
we don't leave things to other people.
What's right and good doesn't come naturally.

You have to stand up and fight for it,
as if the cause depends on you, because it does.
Believe that the flame of democracy will never go out
as long as there's one candle in  your hand
                                                              Bill Moyers:

All compromise is based on give and take,
but there can be no give and take on fundamentals.
Any compromise on mere fundamentals is surrender.
For it is all give and no take. ~Mahatma Gandhi~

The Legislative Process:

A GLOSSARY OF LEGISLATIVE TERMS

Act: A bill passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor.

Adjournment: Termination of a meeting; occurring at the close of each legislative day upon the completion of business, with the hour and day of the next meeting being set prior to adjournment.

Adjournment Sine Die: Final adjournment of the Legislature

Amendment:  Formal proposal to change the language of a bill after it has been introduced. Amendments must be submitted to Legislative Counsel for drafting.

Approved By The Governor: Signature of the Governor on a bill passed by the Legislature.

Bill: A proposed law, introduced during a session for consideration by the Legislature, and identified numerically in order of presentation; also, commonly refers to Joint and Concurrent Resolutions and Constitutional Amendments.

Companion Bill: An identical bill introduced in the other house. This procedure is far more common in Congress than in the California Legislature.

Concurrence: One house approving a bill as amended in the opposite house. If the author is unwilling to move the bill as amended by the other house, the author requests "nonconcurrence" in the bill and asks for the formation of a conference committee.

Concurrent Resolution:  A measure introduced in one house which, if approved, must be sent to the other house for approval. The Governor's signature is not required. These measures usually involve the business of the Legislature.

Conferees:  Officially designated members of a conference committee.

Conference Committee
Usually composed of three legislators (generally two from the majority party; one from the minority party) from each house who meet in public session to forge one version of similar Senate and House of Representatives bills.

Constituent: A person who resides within the district of a legislator.

Current Fiscal Year: The current fiscal year that began on July 1 and ends next June 30.

Do Pass: Affirmative recommendation made by a committee which moves a bill to the floor or to the next committee.

Do Pass As Amended: Passage recommended by committee providing the language of the bill is changed as specified.

Double Refer: Legislation recommended for referral to two policy committees rather than one for hearing. The first committee is not bound by the recommended second referral. Both committees must approve the measure to keep it moving in the process. Typically used for sensitive issue areas that transcend the jurisdiction of one policy committee. Bill referrals are made by the House of Representatives and Senate Rules Committees for their respective houses.

Engrossed Bill: Whenever a bill is amended, the printed form of the bill is proofread to make sure all amendments are inserted properly. After being proofread, the bill is "correctly engrossed" and is therefore in proper form.

Enrolled Bill:  Whenever a bill passes both houses of the Legislature, it is ordered enrolled. In enrollment, the bill is again proofread for accuracy and then delivered to the Governor.

Enrollment:  When bills are filed with the Governor and resolutions are filed with the Secretary of State once they have been accepted by both houses.

Extraordinary Session: A special legislative session called by the Governor to address only those issues specified in the proclamation.

Germaneness: Referring to whether an amendment is relevant to the subject matter already being considered in a bill.

Hearing:  A committee meeting convened for the purpose of gathering information on a specific subject or considering specific legislative measures.

Hopper: Refers to a bill presented for formal introductions and first reading.

Joint Committee: A committee composed of equal numbers of House of Representatives and  Senators.

Joint Resolution: A resolution expressing an opinion about an issue pertaining to the federal government; forwarded to congress for its information. Requires the approval of both House of Representatives and Senate but does not require signature of the Governor to take effect.

Joint Session: The House of Representatives and Senate meeting together, usually in the House of Representatives chambers. The purpose is to receive special information such as the Governor's State of the State address.

Law:  The rules which govern our daily lives.

Lay On The Table:  Temporary postponement of a matter before the house, which may later be brought up for consideration by a motion to "take from the table."

On The Floor: The House of Representatives or Senate Chambers where legislation is considered by the full House of Representatives or Senate.

Passage:  Favorable action on a measure before either house.

Recess: (1) An official pause of any length in a committee hearing or Floor Session that halts the proceedings for a period of time but does not have the finality of adjournment. (2) A break of more than four days in the regular session schedule such as the "Easter recess", etc.

Reconsideration: A motion giving the opportunity to take another vote on the item in question. The motion for reconsideration must be accepted by a majority of the members present and voting.

Resolution: An opinion expressed by one or both houses which does not have the force of law. Concurrent and joint resolutions are voted on by both houses but do not require the Governor's signature.

Section: A portion state’s code. The text of these sections are set forth in bills and proposed to be amended, repealed, or added.

Session: The period during which the Legislature meets.

Sine Die:  Final adjournment. It means adjournment without delay.

Sponsor: The legislator, private individual, or group who developed a piece of legislation and advocates its passage.

Subcommittee:  A subgroup of a full committee, composed of committee members from both parties.

Table: To set aside. Typically used to dispense with, or set aside, amendments to a bill rather than vote "aye" or "no" on them. A motion to table is non-debatable and once made, must be voted upon.

Title: That portion of a measure which identifies the subject matter of a measure and precedes the contents of the measure.

Veto : The act of the Governor disapproving a measure. The Governor's veto may be overridden by 2/3's vote.

How a Bill becomes law in Mississippi

We advocate because we believe …
We believe because we know  there is a better right way ... 
We persevere because it's all we know

Cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expedience asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks
the question, is it popular? But conscience asks the question, is it right? There comes a time
when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular,
but we must make it because our conscience tells us it is right.                    
~Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King

Lessons from Geese
 author unknown

FACT 1: As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
LESSON:: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

FACT 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

LESSON: If we have as much sense as a goose we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

FACT 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
LESSON: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities and unique arrangement of gifts, talents or resources.

FACT 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
LESSON: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

FACT 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
LESSON: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

      The Mississippi Legislature

Contact Information:

The Mississippi Legislature
http://www.ls.state.ms.us/

Mississippi Legislature Switchboard during session:
(601) 359-3770

House FAX number:
(601) 359-3728.

Senate FAX number:
(601) 359-3935

House of Representatives
http://www.ls.state.ms.us/house.htm

State Senate
http://www.ls.state.ms.us/senate.htm

Mississippi U.S. Senators and Representatives

Senator Thad Cochran

WASHINGTON OFFICE                                                       Jackson
United States Senate                                                               188 East Capitol Street
113 Dirksen Senate Office Building                                       Suite 614
Washington, D.C. 20510-2402                                                Jackson, Mississippi 39201
Phone: 202-224-5054                                                               Phone: 601-965-4459
Fax: 202-224-9450                                                                   Fax: 965-4919

Oxford                                                                                   Gulfport
U.S. Federal Courthouse                                                      14094 Customs Boulevard
911 East Jackson Avenue                                                    Suite 201                          
Suite 249                                                                                Gulfport, Mississippi 39503
Oxford, Mississippi 38655                                                    Phone: 228-867-9710
Phone: 662-236-1018

Senator Trent Lott:

Washington, D.C.                                                                  Oxford
487 Russell Senate Office Building                                      911 Jackson Avenue, Suite 127
Washington, D.C. 20510                                                        Oxford, Mississippi 38655
(202) 224-6253                                                                        (662) 234-3774  
 FAX: (202) 224-2262                                                             FAX: (662) 234-1744

Jackson                                                                                   Pascagoula
245 East Capitol Street, Suite 226                                         3100 South Pascagoula Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201                                                    Pascagoula, Mississippi 39567
(601) 965-4644                                                                         (228) 762-5400
FAX: (601) 965-4007                                                                 FAX: (228) 762-0137     

Gulfport
2012 15th Street, Suite 451
Gulfport, Mississippi 39501
(228) 863-1988 
FAX: (228) 863-9960

Representative Roger Wicker……………………………….District 1

Washington, DC Office                    Tupelo District Office          Columbus District Office
2455 Rayburn House Building         P.O. Box 1482                      523 Main Street
Washington, DC 20515                     500 West Main Street          Columbus, MS 39701
Telephone: (202) 225-4306               Suite 210                              Telephone: 662- 327-0748
 Fax: (202) 225-3549                        Tupelo, MS 38802
                                                          Telephone: (662) 844-5437
                                                         Fax: (662) 844-9096

Southaven District Office               Grenada District Office
P.O. Box 70                                     1360 Sunset Drive, Suite 2
8700 Northwest Drive                      Grenada, MS 38901
Suite 102                                          Telephone: 662-294-1321
Southaven, MS 38671
Telephone: (662) 342-3942
Fax: (662) 342-3883

Representative Bennie Thompson…………………....….District 2

Washington, D.C.                                                     Bolton
2432 Rayburn House Office Building                      107 West Madison Street
Washington, D.C. 20515                                           Bolton, Mississippi 39041
(202) 225-5876                                                          (601) 866-9003
(202) 225-5898 (Fax)                                                 (601) 866-9036 (Fax)
                                                                                   (800) 355-9003 (In State)
Greenwood                                                                Greenville
509 Highway 82 West                                                910 Courthouse Lane
Greenwood, Mississippi 38930                                 Greenville, Mississippi 38701
(662) 455-9003                                                           (662) 335-9003
(662) 453-0118 (Fax)                                                  (662) 334-1304 (Fax)

Mound Bayou                                                           Marks
Mound Bayou City Hall                                           P.O. Box 356
Room 134                                                                  263 East Main Street
106 Green Street, Suite 106                                     Marks, Mississippi 38646
Mound Bayou, Mississippi 38762                            (662) 326-9003
(662) 741-9003
(662) 741-9002 (Fax)

Representative Chip Pickering………………………....…….District 3

Washington Office                                              Rankin Office
229 Cannon HOB                                                110-D Airport Rd
Washington, DC 20515                                       Pearl, MS 39208
202.225.5031 Te                                                  601.932.2410 Tel
l202.225.5797 Fax                                                601.965.4598 Fax

Starkville Office                                                   Meridian Office
1 Research Blvd Ste 201                                      823 22nd Ave
Starkville, MS 39759                                            Meridian, MS 39301
662.324.0007 Tel                                                   601.693.6681 Tel
662.324.0033 Fax                                                  601.693.1801 Fax

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