Advocate: -n

~One who supports or defends a cause, or one who pleads on another's behalf.

One of the most effective ways to make our society a better place is through legislative advocacy. 

Interesting statistics

• State legislators say it only takes about 12 letters or phone calls to get their attention on an issue.
• On average, an advocate only needs 5 to 12 legislators backing the issue to pass a bill out of committee or kill it.
• This means your single phone call, letter or email really can  make a difference! 

Tips for calling on the phone:

• Identify yourself, either as a constituent or representative of an organization.
• Ask to speak with the Legislator or his/her Legislative Assistant.
• State your reason for calling; refer to the bill by number if you know it.
• Be brief and specific with your request.
• ask for your legislator's position on the issue and for a commitment to vote for your position.
• Don't argue if the legislator has an opposing view or hasn't yet decided.
• Thank the person for speaking with you.
• Provide contact information - either address, phone, or email address.
• If you cannot reach your elected official, leave a detailed message.

Tips on snail-mailing or e-mailing:

• Identify yourself, either as a constituent or representative of an organization.
• Keep it to one page if possible - short letters can have great impact.
• Limit your letter/email to one bill/issue at a time.  Be sure you include the bill number and description of the issue.
• Be specific: Clearly state the action you wish your legislator to take: support, oppose or provide information on legislation, etc.
• Support your position with accurate, up to date information.
• Individualize your letter/email.  Be sure to use your own words.
• Write from your personal perpective.  Tell your legislator how the bill will impact you, your family, community, etc.
• Be courteous.
• Include your contat information in the correspondence including your name and address, and also your email and phone number if you so choose.
• With a letter, sign your name personally and make sure your name and address is on both the letter and the envelope.
• Follow up with your legislator.  If he/she votes favorably or takes an action you requested, take time to send a thank you note or follow-up phone call. 

Contact Information: Indiana Senate and House of Representatives

Indiana State Senate:

Indiana House of Representatives:

Contact Information of U.S. Congress

U.S. Capitol Switchboard - (202) 224-3121

Web Sites to Explore

http://www.in.gov/ - AccessIndiana: Official Website of State of Indiana

www.in.gov/legislative - Indiana General Assembly and BillWatch

www.jewishpublicaffairs.org - Jewish Council on Public Affairs (JCPA)

www.cbpp.org - Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: Research and Data on State and National Fiscal Policies

www.stateline.org - Politics and Policy News, State by State

www.urban.org - The Urban Institute: Research and Data on various domestic issue policies