Why are relationships important? You understand that: ___Politics is personal. ___Legislators and aides, like others, respond to those they know and trust. ___Relationships give you access to legislators and their aides. ___Relationships foster a web of mutual favors and support. Who are legislators and their aides? ___You understand the structure of Congress: House and Senate, and the differences in their functions and length of terms. ___You understand the structure of your particular state legislature. ___You know which committees are important to your issue and to all issues, and who their chairs, important members, and staffers are. ___You know what legislative aides do. ___You've identified the legislators and aides who have power or influence over your issue. Whom do you need to develop a relationship with? ___You've identified the legislators and aides who need you. ___You've identified the legislators that you need. What do we mean by developing a relationship? You understand the ideal goals of relationships with legislators and aides, and are working to accomplish one or more of the following: ___The legislator and staff recognize your name and will take or return your calls. ___The legislator will speak to you in person. ___The legislator's office thinks first of you when it needs information on your issue. ___The legislator will support your issue when you need it. ___The legislator's office will call to alert you to crises, situations where you need to mobilize support, opportunities, etc. ___The legislator is willing to visit your organization or community. ___You are willing to help the legislator and her staff when needed. ___You have enough of a personal relationship with at least one person in the office (ideally the legislator) that you can spend a few minutes chatting about family, sports, movies, etc. How do you meet legislators and aides? You know how to do the following: ___Make a formal appointment to meet in the district or in the capital. ___Invite the legislator to visit your organization or community. ___Arrange a meeting between the legislator and a community group or a group of your organization's participants. ___Have an initial phone conversation with the legislator or aide. ___Testify at a legislative hearing or public comment session. ___Organize a legislative briefing or other similar event. ___Get an introduction from a mutual acquaintance. ___Introduce yourself to legislators and aides at functions where they're present. How do you establish and maintain relationships? ___You keep contact after your initial meeting. ___You attend fundraisers and other events honoring the legislator. ___You have real conversations with legislators and their aides. ___You ask for and follow legislators' and aides' advice. ___You establish yourself as an absolutely reliable source of information. ___You thank legislators for their help at every opportunity. ___You respect legislators' and aides' limitations and priorities. ___You don't abuse the relationship.
