Lobbying 101

Media Presentations

• How a Bill becomes a Law: An animated 3 minute video called “Just a Bill”.

• How a Bill Really Becomes a Law: A narrated 16 minute video from ANA called "Schoolhouse Crock" which addresses the importance of public participation in law-making.
• Click here to view the video "How to Lobby" on grassroots lobbying featuring two AzNA members.

Basic Rules for Communicating with Your Legislator

• Write, call or e-mail. Effectiveness of any media varies with the legislator.
• Address your legislator properly. e.g "How do you do, Senator/Representative X "
• Be brief and to the point. The use of positive language is recommended.
• Use your own words and your own stationery.
• Include your address and sign your name legibly. You may identify yourself as a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Explain any personal, business or political connection in regard to the issue.
• Be courteous and reasonable.
• Write early in the session if you wish to have something incorporated into legislation.
• You have the most influence with legislators from your own district.
• Write when your legislator does something you appreciate.
• Begin your letter with "As one of your constituents.."
• Don’t apologize for writing.
• Don’t be rude or threatening.
• Don’t be so vague that the legislator has no idea what your stand is.
• If you disagree with your legislator, don’t write to one from another district.
• Don’t write to members in one house while the bill is being heard in the other one.

When meeting face to face:

• make an appointment
• dress in a business-like manner
• be on time and leave on time
• give the legislator materials describing your issue
• leave a business card
• write a thank-you note