Knowing Who to Ask  |  Knowing How to Ask  |  Effective Letters and Phone Calls  |  Following-Up

Communications that receive the most attention tend to be specific in what they are asking for. You should think about whether there is something specific you would like that candidate to do if elected, or that public official to do in office, or when re-elected? Ask for something specific, such as signing on to a specific piece of legislation, supporting a particular initative, or voting in a particular way on a bill. For example, since we strongly support efforts to reform flood policy, you should ask him/ to endorse HVAF’s flood management/preparation platform.
 
When considering what you want, be sure that you are asking for something that is actually a city/county issue.  For example, asking for increased funding to fight world hunger is not something that should be directed to your local elected officials. Following are the kinds of things that you might want to talk to a candidate/public official about.
 
*           Site Visits: Ask your elected officials or their staff to visit your program, meeting or facility next time they are in the district.
 
*           Support of an initiative, platform or piece of legislation: Whenever you make a request for information being specific will get you a better answer.  Asking a candidate/official what their feelings on flooding may get you an very general and vague answer such as stating “I do not support flooding, something needs to be done about it, however it is an act of God and there is only so much that can be done.”  However you will get a very different response if you ask whether they support the platform, or a specific bill.  They will be forced to explain why they agree with or disagree with specific points.  You provide less opportunity for fluff answers. If you ask in the right way (link to how), thoughtful questions get more thoughtful answers.
 
*           Research and Reference Information: The offices of elected officials have access to a wide-range of research materials, which may be helpful.  If you are unable to get information from a governmental agency elected representatives can help expedite the practice.