How to Establish a Relationship with Your Legislator

The 75th Oregon Legislative Assembly is now underway in Salem. If you don't know who your representatives are or don't have a relationship with them, here is your chance.

Establishing a relationship between you and those who represent you in Salem is critical and a lot easier than you think. Sometimes our capitol can seem like a daunting place and the titles Representative and Senator can tend to scare folks a bit. Remember these are your neighbors: people just like you and me. They want to hear from constituents on the issues that matter. So start forging that friendship now!

Once you get an appointment with your legislator, let them know that you are there to help them understand what their constituents want in a new health system.

You can even give them some questions to help guide them as legislation comes their way. For starters, let them know that the key question isn't, "Is everyone covered by insurance?" but, "What does our health insurance really buy and how can that care be delivered it in the most effective and efficient manner (cost and otherwise)?"

Tell them to ask themselves the following questions. If this bill were to pass, would it:

Improve the health of the whole population?
Reduce the per-capita cost of health care?
Improve patient safety and satisfaction?
Hold players accountable for their/our investments in the system?
Have a clear way of demonstrating that the system is working?

Give your legislators a copy of our Key System Elements and the Archimedes Movement Framework for Reform.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Know who your Legislator is and get on his or her email list.

Use zip code locator to find your Legislator at www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr
Go to www.leg.state.or.us and use the tab for "Senate" and "House" to find both of your legislators (your State Senator and your State Representative) web page for their mailing address and information.
Sign-up for your legislator's e-newsletter. E-newsletters are great for finding out what issues they are focusing on. Also, remember you can call your legislators directly to find out about upcoming events in the district.
Stay connected by signing up for Committee work schedules

2. Attend a "Town Hall" or "Coffee Meet" held by your legislator in your district.

Wear your "We Can Do Better" T-shirt to the meeting and show your presence.
Tell your health care story or why you support health reform.
Come prepared with a great question.
Find out where they stand on the work being done by your organization.

3. Be prompt on follow-up after meeting your Legislator.

Send a personal note of thanks
Answer any open questions from your conversation
Send information that would be helpful to your legislator or their staff

4. Invite your legislator to speak with your local chapter, your organizations board, your church, or your community/civic group.

5. Call, write and/or email your position on legislation before a vote is taken. Or call, write and/or email to make sure that the values you want included into legislation are there.

6. Find out all the committees your Legislator has been appointed to serve.

7. Get to know your Legislators' staff. These are the folks who are going to remember you
and are also the point people to your legislator.

8. Get another friend involved and pat yourself on the back for making a difference!

You can download this guide as a PDF below. The attachment includes the Framework and Key System Elements documents.