How to Effectively Lobby

Members in the legislature represent you, and lobbying serves as an important tool to ensure your voice and opinions are heard. You can find out who your state representative and state senator are by visiting this link: flhouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative

To schedule a meeting with your representative, simply email or call their office. Make sure to let them know why you would like to meet. 

Florida State Representatives and State Senators usually have two offices: a district office and a Tallahassee office. Normally, especially during legislative sessions, members of the legislature only have a few minutes to meet with you. If the member of the legislature is unable to meet with you, you may instead meet with one of their aides. 

Tips and Tricks:

  • Be flexible. Members in the legislature often have extremely busy schedules, so it is important to try to work with their schedules. 

  • It is not uncommon for them to have to cancel or reschedule meetings, so be prepared and don’t be discouraged.

  • Make sure to be brief. Oftentimes, they only have a few minutes to meet with you, so it’s important to get your point across quickly. 

  • Be respectful and professional. 

  • Have a purpose for the meeting and a clear ask. For example, vote no on bill XYZ.

    • They are taking time out from their busy schedules to meet with you, so it’s important that the meeting has a purpose.

  • If you want to discuss current bills, don’t speak about more than three bills per meeting. It’s also helpful to bring one-pagers to give to the state representative, state senator, or their aide about the bill and why you're supporting or opposing it. 

  • If you are a constituent, make sure to let them know. Members of the legislatures will really pay attention if you're a constituent because you have the power to vote them out.

  • Make sure to give the member of the legislature the opportunity to speak. This will allow them an opportunity to respond to your request. 

  • Tell them a personal story. It’s helpful to tell them a personal story about why you're supporting or opposing the bill instead of just telling them a bunch of facts. 

  • Mention other important people or organizations who support your point of view.

  • Bring a friend or two. While you don’t want to pack their office, bringing a few people with you for your meeting sends a message that this is an issue that multiple people care about. 

  • Thank them for their time. 

  • Follow up with them after the meeting by emailing them or calling their office. Thank them again for meeting with you and remind them how you want them to vote.

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How to Speak to your School Board