Indiana AEYC 2008 Indiana Legislative Directory

    Meet your legislators!  Cultivate a relationship with your local, state, and federal legislators.  They will more than likely be eager to meet you and gain your support.  Call to request an appointment.  Members have periodic recesses around federal holidays that bring them back home, and members of the Indiana General Assembly reside in their home communities.  These breaks are an ideal time to schedule a meeting with a Representative.  At the Appointment, be brief and to-the-point.  Ask others, who are well-versed on the issue, to accompany you.  Bring materials about your organization; describe your group's position on relevant legislation and state how you can support the official.  

    Write Letters! Form letters are quickly discoutned so use your own words while drawing from fact sheets, position papers. Share your perspective because letters from individuals are more effective than one letter with many signatures, although organizations should present their case via letter.  Tell your legislator how the issue will affect you, your family, your friends, and your community.  Remember to be brief, specific, and give some facts.  It is important to share your opinion and a few important facts,  address one or two issues clearly, and provide support for your position with facts and figures whenever possible.  Don't forget to sign your name, include your return address, and follow up with a thank-you note if the legislator takes the action you recommended.

    Make calls!  Identify yourself and state your reason for calling.  Ask if it's an appropriate time to leave a message.  If it is, state your position and ask the legislator to support or oppose the issue (attempt to determine the legislator's position on the issue).  Thank the legislator for his or her time.  If you are unable to speak with a legislator, ask for an aide who works on the issue.  You may also register your position with a message-taker.  Many politicians keep count of the number of calls received.  On certain issues, even five to ten calls can make a difference!

Indiana State Senate: 1-800-382-9467/(317) 232-9400
Indiana House: 1-800-382-9842/(317) 232-9600
Governor: (317) 232-4567
U.S. Congress: (202) 224-3121
White House: (202) 456-1414