Following
Up
Knowing
What to Ask
| Knowing
Who to Ask | Knowing
How to Ask
| Effective
Letters and Phone Calls
Probably the most critical part of your communication with elected
officials is what you do after you first contact. The best
way to ensure that you and your activities will remain on
the radar screen of an elected official is to taking actions
to summarize the dialogue, pass on any feedback, and
follow-up on any requests.
Following up effectively allows you to reach that
goal without becoming a nuisance (which diminishes your
effectiveness).
Within several weeks of your initial contact it's important to follow-up
on your communication.
If you do not receive a response giving a clear
answer to your question/concern, it is appropriate to follow
up again in a month. It
is often beneficial to find out how long it will take for
the office to respond to your inquiry.
In this case, let them know that you will be in
communication with them at that time.
You should plan on making your follow up a short time
after the date the office set. For example, if you are told
an office will have a response within two weeks it is best
to call in three weeks.
Letting the officials set the pace, will make them
appreciative of your concern for their time, and of your
patience. This
makes your friendly follow-ups seem helpful, as you
establish a relationship with the official and his/her
staff.
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