Your credibility is vital if you seek to change hearts and minds of elected officials. To maintain credibility we suggest you adhere to the following:

	Remember you ABC’s - accuracy, brevity, and courtesy;
	Know the status of your legislation or any amendments;
	Know what the bill does, who it affects and what it costs;
	Tell your legislator in plain language how a bill affects your community;
	Communicate regularly and be persistent (mail, phone, fax, or e-mail);
	Get to know your legislators and their staff;
	Work with your legislators in your home district;
	Be polite and know when to back-off from debate;
	"Keep your eyes on the prize" and don't get discouraged.

Building a relationship that lasts will benefit you and your cause in the long run. You are more likely to be successful by avoiding the following behaviors:

	Never threaten retaliation, especially in the voting booth;
	Never be dishonest; if you don't know the answer, say so and promise to find it;
	Never make assumptions;
	Never waste a legislator's time; be brief;
	Never criticize individuals or political parties;
	Never be rude or discourteous.