Elected officials are in office to represent you! They want to hear from their constituents and be responsive to their needs. By building relationships with your elected officials you become a trusted resource on rural health issues that are impacting your communities.

You may develop different types of relationships with the different lawmakers who represent you. There are many ways to get to know and build effective relationships with elected officials. Below are a few tips and ideas to get started.  

Proactive Communication

Proactive communication (not in response to a particular issue) with elected officials at all levels of government is an excellent way to introduce yourself and begin to establish a relationship. And if you are concerned about lobbying, remember that if you don’t address a specific issue or law you are not lobbying.

Contact the Appropriate Office

When weighing in on a specific issue, make sure you are contacting the appropriate office (local issues to local government, etc.). As you communicate with statewide and federal offices, remember that staff members play an important role in shaping the elected official’s position on issues so don’t feel put off if you are directed to staff.

Regardless of the method, all communication with an elected official’s office should include the following:

• Your street address (to identify yourself as a constituent)
• A clearly identified topic and request
• A thank you for previous assistance/support and their consideration of the current issue

Methods of Communication

• Letters: Letters may be received more quickly if sent to a lawmaker’s local/district office and not to Washington DC or Denver
• Email: Most Congressional offices in Washington, D.C. and state lawmakers use email to communicate with their constituents. Addresses are available on their office webpages.
• Phone calls: Along with email, phone calls are a convenient method of communicating with elected officials on time-sensitive issues. Typically you will leave a message—if you are requesting action on a specific issue, be sure to prepare your “ask” before calling. Give your address and, if you would like a return call, your phone number.
• Visits: Personal visits with lawmakers or their staff make an impression and further the relationship-building. It also provides opportunity to bring people with or, if a healthcare provider, invite to your facility. Scheduling a meeting in the local or district office may be easier than a trip to Denver or Washington, D.C. For rural providers, consider inviting the elected official (and their staff) to your office, clinic, or facility for a tour.

Participate in a Legislative Hearing

• State’s Guide to Public Involvement in a Legislative Hearing