The 2009 legislative session is just a few months away, and Texas Impact is already hard at work helping our members engage in direct conversation with policymakers. This year, we are challenging all of our members to participate in at least one district legislative visit. Legislative visits are one of the best ways to participate in our democracy and make your voice heard.

"The best way to ensure your priorities are my priorities as your Congressman is to devote my time listening. Please come by and let me know what's on your mind."-U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett

There are 181 legislative districts in Texas: 150 House and 31 Senate. In addition, there are 32 U.S. House Districts. Most of these legislators have at least one office in his or her district. The office and its staff help keep the legislator in touch with constituents, and anyone can call to schedule an appointment. The meeting might be in the legislator’s office, but it could also be at another location in your community—that’s up to you and your legislator! Then just go and bring two or three other constituents with you to really make an impact.

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something I can do." –Edward Everett Hale

Summer and fall, 2008 is a great time to visit with your legislator! Many of them are running for re-election (all Texas and U.S. Representatives plus 1/2 of the Texas and U.S. Senate, in fact!) and they want to hear from you so they can better understand the people they are elected to represent. In addition, state legislators are preparing for the 81st legislative session that begins January 13, 2009. We have the opportunity between now and then to tell our elected officials what issues really matter and what we want them to work on when they’re in session.

Also, think long-term. When you meet with your legislator, you are establishing a relationship; even if you and your legislator disagree, make it a good one. You will need that positive relationship when you come back for another visit in 2009 to talk about pending legislation. Texans of faith have strong principles and ideas about how things should be. Our goal must be to make things better, one step at a time—and the way to do that is to work together with our elected officials.

“Being a source of solutions and ideas for your legislator is a guaranteed way to build a relationship.” –State Representative Mark Strama

Tips for Effective Legislative Visits

• Have some facts on hand. We have resources! Click here for information about health care, criminal justice, or the environment. Interested in addressing a different issue? There’s much more information on our website, and you can always give us a call.

• Dress appropriately and be positive. Thank your legislator for his or her time, both when you begin and end the meeting.

• Go with two or three others to be most effective. Too few people, and it’s easy for the conversation to veer off course. Too many people, and each person’s impact is minimized. Remember to assign a note-taker so you can follow up on things you and the legislator discuss.

• Focus on one topic. Decide ahead of time what your priority issue is, and focus on that. You can go back another time to discuss another topic.

• Tell the legislator who you are. Put yourself in a community context—your neighborhood, your children’s schools, your employer, your faith community.

• Listen to your legislator. What you learn about his or her thinking can help you be more effective. Ask questions that require specific answers.

• Tell the truth. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so! Respectfully tell the legislator that you will find the answer and will be back in touch.

• Follow up. Send the legislator a thank you note. Letters by mail are more effective than e-mail, and they reinforce the personal relationship you are developing.

• Share the good news! We want to know just how many Texans of faith are putting their faith into action by doing legislative visits. You can fill out our online form or give us a call. And be sure to tell your friends and neighbors about your experience! Mentorship is mandatory: help to demystify the process for others.

We are here to help you.

Not sure what to say in that first phone call? Click here for tips including a suggested phone script. Or call us and we’ll talk you through the process. It’s not as hard as you might think!

Who represents me? Get your representative’s office and contact information here.

How can I address a policy issue from a faith perspective? That’s what we’re all about. Look here for more information, resources, and links to your denomination’s social justice positions.

Contact Texas Impact. Click here for our office contact information, and here to learn more about our staff.

“Let no man imagine that he has no influence. Whoever he may be, and wherever he may be placed, the man who thinks becomes and light and a power.” –Henry George