BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH LEGISLATORS

As a healthcare policy and legislative advocate in the United States, I am frequently asked how to effectively connect with legislators. Below, I offer several strategies for establishing and strengthening relationships with your government representatives. While certain governmental structures may differ internationally, many of these recommendations are relevant to advocates worldwide.

TIP #1: Advocates often direct their attention exclusively toward federal legislators such as Congressional Representatives and U.S. Senators. However, it is equally important to build relationships with local and state officials, including Township Trustees, City Council Representatives, Mayors, County Commissioners, County Executives, State Representatives, State Senators and Governors. These individuals play a crucial role in shaping policy and often advance into higher governmental positions, thereby expanding their influence. Early engagement can enhance your legislative initiatives over time. In addition, they can become an ally, supporting your legislative advocacy efforts on the Federal level, such as reaching out to Congress or Senate requesting their support or championing a legislative bill.

TIP #2: Subscribe to email newsletters and updates from your legislators at all levels of government. These communications provide timely information on legislative issues, upcoming events, and opportunities for constituent engagement, keeping you informed about matters that may impact your advocacy work and community.

Tip #3: Regularly review your legislators’ official websites for calendars listing health, resource, and community events, as well as town halls and constituent panels. Attending these events facilitates ongoing relationship-building and ensures that you remain aware of their legislative priorities. Checking these calendars monthly is advisable.

Tip #4: Follow your legislators on social media platforms, where they frequently share updates, announce events, and solicit public input on community concerns. Engaging with them through these channels allows you to participate in discussions, advocate for your community online, and stay current with legislative developments.

Tip #5: If you represent a non-profit organization and your legislator is hosting a community event, contact their office to inquire about becoming a resource vendor. This enables you to reach local residents directly and keeps your organization visible to policymakers.

Tip #6: Legislators regularly host town halls—via telephone, virtual platforms, or in-person—to update constituents and gather feedback. Participating in these forums is essential for staying informed about legislative changes and ensuring ongoing visibility with your representatives. For instance, while some committee assignments may not appear directly relevant to your advocacy, broader issues such as access to food or advances in healthcare technology can significantly affect your community’s well-being. Consistent attendance enables you to represent a diverse range of people and interests.

Tip #7: When meeting legislators or their staff, prepare a concise two-to-three-minute introduction that summarizes who you are, your advocacy work, and its’ impact. Given the brief interactions typical at such events, clarity and brevity are key. Additionally, consider providing informational materials—such as pamphlets or awareness packages—to leave a lasting impression.

Tip #8: Build professional relationships with legislative staff members, who are often instrumental in addressing constituent concerns and advancing policy initiatives. Staff transitions between offices are common, so establishing rapport can facilitate future advocacy and open additional channels of communication.

Tip #9: If hosting a community event, invite your local, state, and federal representatives and legislators and/or their staff, particularly those focused on specific constituencies such as veterans, seniors, healthcare, or people with disabilities. Their participation can foster collaboration and ensure that attendees have access to valuable resources. Provide sufficient notice—ideally six to eight weeks—when requesting their involvement.

Tip #10: After any meeting, whether virtual or in person, follow up with a thank-you note or email to express appreciation and reinforce your commitment to partnership. Ongoing communication keeps legislators apprised of your progress, particularly if you are advocating for specific initiatives such as medical research funding.

Tip #11: Remember that legislators and their staff are individuals dedicated to public service. Approach all interactions professionally and authentically, focusing on building genuine connections. Ultimately, effective advocacy relies on mutual understanding and shared goals for community improvement.

Tip #12: Patient surveys serve as an effective means of gathering evidence to support advocacy initiatives. Rather than relying exclusively on medical research, patients can collect targeted data using platforms such as Survey Monkey or social media polls. These statistics provide insight into the impact of social issues or medical conditions within specific communities, thereby reinforcing advocacy strategies. For example, Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia conducted a veteran-specific poll, the results of which were presented to Veteran Affairs Security. This led to the identification and resolution of systemic challenges in the provision of telehealth medical services within the VA Healthcare system, as demonstrated in the video link below. Watch Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia advocacy presentation, utilizing a Veteran-specific poll to the Veteran Affairs Security here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1WV7oDDr5s/

I hope everyone finds these tips helpful and I wish you all the best of advocacy success! Legislative Advocacy is not always easy but with passion, determination, and hope we can accomplish anything!

Written By: Kristal Kent – Health Thought Leader, Advocate and Founder of The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles and Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia