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Your view inside Oklahoma government

What Can You Do?

What Can You Do?

Members of the Oklahoma State Legislature represent you and your interests at the State Capitol, whether or not your vote helped elect them. You can help them do their job by communicating your views on issues that matter to you and your community. Letters, Faxes, phone calls, personal visits and group meetings are typical ways to get your message across. You can be most effective by relating issues to your own experiences or professional expertise, and by showing the likely impact a legislator's action will have on those served in his or her district.

Citizen involvement is the key to good government.
  • Each of us have the privilege as well as the responsibility to keep our elected officials informed about issues that are important to ensuring the quality of our lives.
  • Each of us has the power to persuade members of the Legislature or the Governor to support a particular position on any given issue.
  • The competition to have our position heard over the positions of others is an essential part of the legislative process. This competition results in better laws for all of us. To make this process work well, however, people from all walks of life must actively participate.
There are a number of ways to get involved in the political process:
  • Through Your Local State Representatives and Senators. Legislators can only be as good as the input they receive from those being affected by proposed laws. The most important steps you can take to strengthen your voice at the Capitol is getting to know your legislators personally, back home, in your communities and becoming informed about legislation as it is proposed and issues and positions as they are developed.
  • Through the Campaign Process.  Elections to state office involve considerable amounts of money and volunteer efforts for candidates to make their views known to the voters in their districts. All elected officials welcome campaign assistance from individuals and groups. Whether you are able to make a monetary contribution, work at the local phone bank, put signs up in your district, or stuff envelopes - your efforts will be appreciated by your candidate long after election day has passed.
Effective Grassroots Involvement
  • Public policy decisions made at the local, state and federal levels have an impact on our schools, our communities, our businesses, and our day-to-day lives. These policy decisions are influenced directly and indirectly by the opinions of the general public and the local citizens who are affected.
  • Grassroots involvement in your community means educating and organizing members of the community at large to make sure that all officials - candidates and those who hold office - are aware of the impact of legislative actions on your community.
  • The ability to organize and activate your "grassroots" advocates - individuals directly connected to your community - is even more important than ever before. Well organized grassroots advocates are key to any group's success in influencing federal, state and local public policy.
  • Developing a strong, comprehensive grassroots base of individuals who will actively engage in legislative advocacy efforts on behalf of your community is essential.
  • If you were to count the number of individuals who could be organized for a single community based organization and then multiply that number by the number of similar organizations in Oklahoma, then organize and inspire them - there would be an overwhelming grassroots movement dedicated to strengthening our state and improving the overall quality of life for every Oklahoman.
Getting Started
A few simple techniques for building a grassroots network include:
  • Become Informed. Know your facts. Understand proposed legislation and access reliable sources of news and information pertaining to the activities at the state capitol.
  • Educate Others. Regularly communicate your organization's position on public policy issues to key advocates: community, business, and philanthropic, and local media representatives.
  • Organize an efficient communications strategy. Develop a system you can use to quickly call key advocates into action, either selectively or en masse when critical issues arise at the national, state, or local level.
  • Heighten community interest. Encourage your community to take an interest in policy issues and to get involved by sponsoring public events with public officials. This will not only strengthen your opportunity to broaden your community base; it will also enhance your personal relationship with important public officials.
  • Over the long term. By organizing your community for grassroots action, you will accomplish much more than simply generating political power for the issue of the day. Over the long term, you will position your community as an opinion leader on those issues affecting you and your neighbors.
Make an Impact. Make a phone call.
  • Your representatives in state government are there to serve your needs. On the local, state and national levels, representatives depend on their constituents to keep them apprised of the issues that most affect their district. From the lottery to tort reform to No Child Left Behind mandates, your representative needs to know how you feel about important issues. And contrary to the stereotypes perpetuated by mass media, lawmakers really do want to hear from you.  After all, they wouldn't have gotten elected without your vote, right?
  • It is important to remember that legislators are busy people with full agendas. Even though they might appreciate a 30-minute lecture about your issue, they simply can't spare the time. That's why you should always be pleasant, concise, and prepared to answer questions.
  • What's the number?

    If you don't know your senator or representative's telephone number in Oklahoma or in Washington, D.C. you may reach their offices by calling one of the following numbers:

    Oklahoma House Switchboard - (405)521-2711
    Oklahoma Senate Switchboard - (405)524-0126
    U.S. Capitol Switchboard - (202)224-3121
  • Who should I call?
    • Ask for your senator or representative if you have a relationship with him or her; or ask to speak to the principal author of the measure.
    • If you can't reach the senator or representative, ask to speak with the legislative assistant (house or senate "staffer") who is handling the issue about which you are calling.
    • If you cannot reach the staff person, leave a concise message with the legislator's administrative assistant.
    • Legislative and Congressional offices do count the number of calls they receive on an issue - pro and con - and relay that information to the senator or representative.
  • What should I say?
    • Identify yourself by name, address and hometown within their legislative district. Clarify whether you are calling for yourself, on behalf of your organization.
    • Identify the bill by number and common name (i.e., House Bill 1278, the Lottery bill).
    • Clearly state the action you would like the legislator to take on the issue (vote for, vote against, offer an amendment, delete a provision, etc.).
    • Focus on a single issue. Limit yourself to making two or three key points in your conversation.
    • Have talking points - or your own notes - in front of you when you call, in order to stay focused on the message you want to deliver.
    • Localize the issue to demonstrate the impact on your community and the legislator's own constituents. Give specific examples.
    • Ask for your legislator's view or position on the bill or issue. Be attentive to his/her answer.
    • Show appreciation for past votes of support. Be Positive! (Remember - even if the legislator cannot vote with you on this particular issue, he or she may be your strongest ally on the next issue. Don't make an enemy if you don't get the answer you want.)
  • Tips to Remember
    • Keep your call brief - not more than three or four minutes.
    • If you are asked a question that you cannot answer, tell them you will get the answer and get back to them. Then, Do It!  If they request written materials, supply this promptly since decisions are often made very quickly during legislative sessions.
    • Leave your name and telephone number with the staff person and/or legislator with whom you have spoken in case they have any questions later.
    • Record the names of the individuals you contact and put them in your phone book. If possible, speak with the same person each time you call. Staffers, like anyone else, are more likely to listen to and return phone calls from people they know.
    • Follow your call with a brief note, thanking the legislator and/or staff for their time. Include the date of your call, the bill in question, and always include your name, address, and telephone number for their files.
The power of the pen. Write a letter.
One well-written, personal letter from a constituent has a greater impact than an avalanche of identical form letters provided by a lobbying group. Write the letter in your own words, on personal stationary or letterhead. If a sample form letter is developed, modify it to deliver your own personal and unique message.
  • The letter can be handwritten or typed, and can be mailed, faxed or emailed. Make sure grammar, punctuation, and spelling are correct.
  • In your opening paragraph, identify yourself, your community, and/or your association. Briefly explain the purpose of the communication and state the bill number and common name for the bill (House Bill 1278, the Lottery bill) or issue with which you're concerned.
  • The body of your letter should explain the issue simply and clearly, using as many facts as possible to support your arguments. Remember to discuss the issue's impact on the legislator's home district, both directly and indirectly.
  • State specifically what you would like your elected official to do - vote yes, vote no, offer an amendment, etc.
  • Request a response. Ask the legislator to let you know his or her position on the issue.
  • Sign your name and be sure to provide you address and phone number.
  • Tips to Remember
    • Write to all legislators involved in the issue and to the legislators who represent your district.
    • Be Brief! Limit the length of your letter to one page (not more than two). Summarize your position at the beginning of your letter and then expand on specific concerns in the remainder of the letter.
    • Be reasonable, constructive, and polite.
    • Thank elected officials for their support when they vote in your favor. Also, let them know in a polite manner if they voted contrary to your position and ask if you can count on them in the future.
FORMS OF ADDRESS FOR FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
Addressee Form of Address Salutation
State Representative The Honorable John Smith
OK House of Representatives
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
 Dear Representative Smith:
State Senator
The Honorable John Smith
OK State Senate
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
 Dear Senator Smith:
Governor
The Honorable John Smith
Governor of Oklahoma
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
 Dear Governor Smith:
Lieutenant Governor
The Honorable John Smith
Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
 Dear Lieutenant Governor Smith:
U.S. Representative
The Honorable John Smith
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Congressman Smith:
(or Congresswoman Smith:)
U.S. Senate
The Honorable John Smith
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Smith:
Cabinet Officers
The Honorable John Smith
Secretary of Education
Address
City, State  Zip
Dear Mr. Secretary:
(or Madam Secretary:)
The Attorney General
The Honorable John Smith
Attorney General
Address
City, State Zip
Dear Mr. Attorney General:
KEY WASHINGTON TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES
SENATE INFORMATION
Room / Phone Numbers
Document Room 202-224-4691(D) 202-224-6391(R)
Floor Information S-316 202-224-0241
Addresses
Street Addresses are in Washington, D.C. 20510
SD Hart Building 2nd & C Streets, NE
SR Capitol Building  
HOUSE INFORMATION
Room / Phone Numbers
Document Room 202-224-7330 (D) 202-224-7350 (R)
Floor Information H-315 202-225-3945
Addresses
Street Addresses are in Washington, D.C. 20515
Rooms Listed with 3 Numbers:
CHOB Cannon House Office Building
1st Street & Independence Avenue, SE
Rooms Listed with 4 numbers beginning with 1:
LHOB Longworth House Office Building
Independence & New Jersey Avenues, SE
Rooms Listed with 4 numbers beginning with 2:
RHOB Rayburn House Office Building
Independence Avenue & South Capitol Street, SW
Other Office Buildings:
OHOB New Jersey Avenue & C Street, SE
FHOB 300 D Street, SW
H Capitol Building
Making eye contact. The face-to-face meeting.
Face-to-face meetings are one of the most effective methods of communicating with lawmakers and their staff. These meetings are essential to building a long-term relationship with your elected officials.
  • Where should we meet?

    You have some options:

    • You can call the official's local office and make an appointment to see him or her when they are back home in their district or business office.
    • You can invite him or her to your home, to your place of business or to a school facility;
    • You can call the official's Capitol office and make an appointment to see him or her when they are in session in Oklahoma City;
    • You can meet with your member of Congress in Washington, D.C., when Congress is in session.
  • How do I request a meeting?
    • Call the official's local or capitol office and ask to speak with his or her assistant to schedule an appointment.
    • Explain who you are, the organization you represent, and the reason you want a meeting with the senator or representative. Ask the scheduler when you can arrange a meeting. If you are requesting a meeting in your community, you may be referred to the official's district or local office.
    • If you are inviting the legislator to your home, to your business, or to a school facility, a letter of invitation should be sent. If you are representing a group or organization, the group's chairperson should send the invitation, or a member of the group with whom the legislator has a personal relationship.
    • Be sure to request your meeting well in advance of the proposed meeting date. You may want to call the official's scheduler to confirm the amount of lead time that is needed to schedule a meeting in advance of making the arrangements for a site visit at one of your community facilities.
  • What should I do during an office meeting?
    • First, introduce yourself and any others in your group, stating clearly where each of you are from, what organization you represent, and what position each of you hold.
    • Thank the official for taking the time to visit with you. Tell them of the good things they have done in the past and how much it was appreciated (i.e. teacher pay raises).
    • If you are going with a group, decide in advance who will lead the discussion and what key points you want to make.
    • Keep the meeting short and simple. Get to the point and briefly outline two or three key reasons for your position on a particular piece of legislation or the issues that prompted your meeting. Stay focused on the two or three key messages you want to leave with the legislator. It is easy to get off track and run out of time.
    • Give solid examples of how the issue affects your organization, the legislator and his or her constituents. Let the legislator know that their action on your issue will directly affect children and families. Tell them the things that your community needs, how much they will cost, and the benefit that will be derived from it.
    • Answer any question asked of you, but if you don't know the answer, tell the legislator that you will get back to him or her promptly with an answer.
    • Leave behind a one-page fact sheet or position paper on your issue to remind the legislator or staff of the purpose for your visit. Include your name and telephone number on the paper in case there are follow-up questions.
    • Offer yourself as a resource to the legislator and the staff in responding related questions. Ask the legislator how you can help them.
  • What's Next?
    • Always send a note thanking the legislator for his or her time and briefly restate your issue. Include any follow up information that was promised, and review any points that were passed over in the meeting. Compliment any staff who helped arrange the visit.
    • Also send a thank you note to any staff who helped arrange the meeting.
  • Tips to Remember
    • Be brief.
    • Be honest.
    • Be prompt, but be flexible. Legislators may be late for meetings due to their full schedules and may be interrupted during your visit.
    • Try not to be disappointed if you end up meeting with a staff person instead of your legislator. A legislator's schedule is not always totally controllable - especially during session. Lawmakers depend on advice from their staff. Staff members are gatekeepers and can sometimes be a real driving force on an issue that is important to you.
The Do's
  • Clearly identify the subject in which you are interested.
    Just as your time is very limited, so is a legislator's. Don't just use only the House and Senate bill numbers to describe important legislation. Remember, it is easy to get a bill number incorrect. Know the bill number and the issue. Have your facts ready when you approach a legislator. State your position clearly and then be available to either answer any questions the legislator may have or offer to find out the answer to any question you do not know.
  • State why you are concerned about the issue.
    Your own experience is excellent supporting evidence. Explain how you think an issue will affect your community and his or her constituents.
  • Restrict yourself to one or at most two topics.
    Concentrate on your arguments - for or against. Keep the subject matter limited.
  • Put your thoughts into your own words.
    If a legislator receives numerous letters with nearly identical wording, he or she may discount them as part of an organized pressure campaign. On the other hand, getting colleagues, friends, and family to also call or write can help. As few as four or five letters about the same issue or concern will certainly get the attention of a legislator concerned about "doing the right thing" for his or her district.
  • Try to establish a relationship with your own legislators.
    In general, you will have more influence as a constituent. If you don't know whose district you are in, check on iCapitol.net to find out. You can be most effective as an advocate for important issues by getting to know your senator and representative from YOUR district on a personal basis. Find out which committees and subcommittees your legislators serve on. They have much more influence over legislation within their committees' and subcommittees' jurisdiction.
  • Know the Legislative Process. Communicate while legislation is hot.
    Understand the steps that a bill goes through to become law. You must understand when a bill can be changed, passed, or defeated and coordinate that timing with the timing of your conversation. Communicate while legislation is hot. In other words, while it is still being considered by committees and subcommittees, as well as when it is on the House and Senate floor.
  • Be Firm, But Friendly.
    Do not try to force a commitment on how your legislator is going to vote. However, when your legislator is aware of the issue and your position, it is then time to begin asking for a position. Remember to always be courteous.
  • Keep in touch throughout the year.
    Talk to legislators at home, at coffee shops, at school and sporting events. Developing a good relationship with your legislators back home is the most powerful tool you have once session reconvenes and you need their support.
  • Don't Assume
    Don't assume the legislator is completely familiar with your community, your issues, or the role you play in your community. Use your opening introductory remarks to explain briefly how the system works and the basis for your concern.
  • Concentrate on the Issue, Not the Person.
    Doing your homework and preparing for your conversation with your legislator will allow you to concentrate on the issue. Even though it isn't always possible to remain in harmony with your legislator, remember that with rare exceptions, they are honest, intelligent public servants trying to represent all of their constituents.
  • Lobby Like You Mean It.
    Be cooperative. Be realistic. Be practical. Never break your word. If you tell a legislator that you will do something, stick to the bargain. Continue to educate yourself regarding the legislative issues which are of concern to you. Bills change during the process. Sometimes you may find yourself supporting a bill and the next week opposing it because of some change. Know where your bill is and what it looks like at all times.
  • Don't Try To Do It By Yourself.
    Work with others in your community and your state
  • Publicly Thank the Legislator.
    Give your legislator credit publicly for the good things they helped accomplish for your district.
The Don'ts
  • Never, ever threaten.
    Don't even hint "I'll never vote for you unless you do what I want." Present the best arguments in favor of your position and ask for your legislator's consideration.
  • Never pretend to wield vast political influence.
    Write as a constituent, not as a self-appointed spokesman for your community. However, if you really are a spokesman for a group, be sure to mention it and the level of influence your organization has in the local community.
  • Don't use trite phrases or clichés.
    They can make your letter sound mass produced when it isn't.
  • Don't become a pen pal.
    Some legislators don't bother to count mail from seemingly tireless letter writing constituents.
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