Learn About Your Local Officials by Name

• Do not wait until you need something

• Remain in constant connection

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Do Your Homework

• Reach out to the Library's Board of Trustees, the Iowa Library Association, and the American Library Association for background on specific issues

• Learn how to frame your message

• Continually read current and proposed State Bills

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Know Your Audience

• Research your elected officials to know on what committees they serve to better shape your message

• Understand how officials have historically voted

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Personally Contract Elected Officials

• A meeting is always better than a phone call, which is better than an email, but an email is better than no contact

• Writing letters always works because they are permanent files!

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Start with Thanks

• Find something positive to thank an official about

• Be specific in your thanks

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Brevity Is Key

• Know what you want to say before you say it

• Only share the relevant and essential facts

• Do draw on both facts and personal narratives, just ensure everything shared is specific and relevant

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Make It Personal

• Explain how issues directly impact you, your family, your friends, and your community

• Let your passion shine through

• Remind your elected official of their constituency

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Make a Clear Request

• Again, be specific on what you want to support or oppose

• Clearly state the piece of legislation by bill or code reference

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Be Polite But Direct

• Word your conversation or written communication with a continual focus on the library's position

• As always, be specific when you name libraries and the issues concerning and governing libraries

• Directly point to concerns by name

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Follow Through

• Continue to monitor the issue

• Reapproach the representative if nothing moves forward

• Consider approaching different officials, especially on all sides of the chamber

• Know that advocacy is often a thankless and constant job, but also know that your work is noticed and appreciated