Legislators do not expect citizen lobbyists to know all the technical details of legislation.  What is important is that you share your concerns with your representatives as his or her constituent.

 

Members of the General Assembly want to hear from folks in their districts. Your input on a bill as both advocate and constituent is more important than the opinion of contract lobbyists.  If you are asked questions you don’t know the answer to, then say so and promise to get the answer to your legislator. Let CCK staff know the question and we will find the answer and follow-up with you and your Representative or Senator.

 

CCK works with cooperating diocesan staff  to prepare you in advance by assisting with:

 

	Organizing travel;
	Scheduling appointments;
	Giving you background information;
	Discussing the CCK Legislative Agenda.

 

Advocate orientation also includes: Note: wear comfortable shoes; the Capitol has lots of stairs and unforgiving, marble floors.)

 

	Providing general directions for getting around Frankfort, the Capitol and the Capital Annex.
	Identifying the location of the public bill room and how to obtain legislative bills and a legislative directory;
	Instructions on basic lobbying tips, an overview of the legislative process and the language used in creating public policy;
	Accompanying advocates as they meet with their representatives;
	Briefings on status of pending legislation; schedule of legislative committee meetings; coalition meetings; rallies; press conferences or other legislative action;
	Supplying CCK position papers and background on relevant  issues and pending legislation;
	Provide updates on  important votes on the House or Senate floor. You may need to do some last minute, intensive lobbying.

 

Being faithful citizens does not end when you leave Frankfort. CCK hopes these legislative visits encourage you to return to their parish to share their experience with others - pastors, chairpersons of key committees, fellow parishioners. We hope you speak to friends and neighbors about how you brought the message of the Gospel to Frankfort and your lawmakers.

 

We also hope that you continue to contact your legislator about issues not only while the General Assembly meets, but also after it ends and your Senate and House members are back in their districts.

 

Your Frankfort visit will instill new confidence in you because you will have a better understanding of the legislative process and how you can continue your witness to Gospel values in the public arena.