Florida Council of Catholic Women/Province of Miami at P. O. Box 1811, Labelle, FL 33975 US - HOW TO MAKE AN IMPACT WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

Yes, you can make an impact.... you can make a difference with elected officials. You can make your voice heard - Nationally, State wide or Locally on important issues. To communicate effectively with elected officials, keep the following in mind.

1. Catholic Women

You are Catholic women. Catholic Women are known to be nice, gentle and kind. The type men want to take home to meet their mothers when they are young, and older you're known as everyone's mother / Grandmother. There is a grace that becomes you. You have the gentle way of getting someone to do things for you.

2. Pope John Paul

Pope John Paul has said that Catholic Women need to become more actively involved in politics, either serving and taking part in issues, and their voice needs to be heard.

3. Put Things in Perspective

Remember, your elected officials represent all of their constituents, regardless of party or group affiliation. Don't condemn officials who take a position contrary to your interest or that of the Catholic Church. Instead, continue to develop your relationship with them. "Kill Them With Kindness". Elected officials who vote against you one day may very well cast the deciding vote in your favor the next.

The only way to gain credibility is to know the issues thoroughly and present them accurately. Be sure your facts are correct. Present the necessary information with specific, concrete example, and explain the issue clearly so it's immediately understandable. If you acquire new information that affects your previous assumptions, don't fail to bring it to the attention of your elected official.

Never stretch the truth in an attempt to make your argument more believable. Be candid about the opposition and the position you think it will take. If you can present convincing counter-arguments, your own position will ultimately be stronger than it would have been if you had remained silent. Remember be kind and gentle when trying to get your point across. Stay calm and soft spoken yet loud enough to be heard.

Keep up with the issues and facts from the Florida Catholic Conference. Don't contact your elected officials only when a call-to-action has been announced. Take the initiative by contacting them regarding issues that you know are of interest of the Catholic Bishops. Also, ask your elected officials if they need more information or if there's some way you can help in their efforts. Ask the elected officials to co-sign a bill, if you feel they would be in favor of doing so. This is a good way to get more names on a bill we want to see come to the floor. Contact the Florida Catholic Conference, as they will see that the elected officials receive a copy of the papers for co-signing on a bill. It is more powerful if your name is attached, when they receive the papers, so attach a note that can be used by the Florida Catholic Conference.

7. Meet the Staff

In Tallahassee or Washington especially, your main source of contact with the elected officials is through their staff members. Whether in Tallahassee the week of the Red Mass, or back home in the district or on Capitol Hill in Washington, these are the people who receive your letters, answer your calls and have the ear of the member you want to reach and influence. Get to know the staffers name and treat them with respect. They will be the first one to help you get your foot in the door. We have found a cup of jelly beans or other little favor, left with the staff says a lot.

Don't contact your elected officials only when you would like something done or when Congress or the Legislature is in session. Keep in touch throughout the year. Visit them at their home office. Help them if they need information and support. Send them material that you have from the Catholic Conference on the Catholic Bishops' issues. To your best elected officials (and not so best). Send Birthday cards. What better way to say Hi!

There's a fine line between maintaining contact and becoming a bother - - - Don't cross it ! - - - Remember persons who bombard their elected officials with daily mail are not taken seriously when they have legitimate concerns. Nor do those who preach to, tell off or "love to death" their elected officials get very far. (Same as raising children).

10. Follow Through

Yes! Yes! Yes! You must do some follow through. After you have written or talked to your elected officials asking for a particular vote or action on an issue, don't drop the ball. Let them know that you paid attention to the outcome. If, for instance, your elected officials vote your position, write a letter of thanks. If they vote otherwise, let them know why you are disappointed while adding that you look forward to working with them on future issues.

Keep a cool head when talking with your elected officials. And " SMILE" they will smile back, it's that easy.