Member Involvement

Meeting with Your Legislator
Make the Most of Every Conversation

Face-to-face meetings provide an opportunity to build relationships, share cooperative priorities, and put a local perspective on legislative issues.

• Do your homework. Understand the issue, know your legislator's background, and come prepared with two or three key talking points.
• Make every minute count. Meetings typically last 15–30 minutes. Be organized, stay focused, and allow time for questions and discussion.
• Lead with a local connection. Explain who you are, whom your cooperative serves, and how the issue affects your community.
• Tell your story. Real-world examples are often more compelling than statistics or technical explanations.
• Listen and engage. Advocacy is a conversation, not a presentation. Welcome questions, respect differing perspectives, and never guess when you don't know an answer.
• Make the ask. Clearly explain what action you would like your legislator to take.
• Keep the door open. Follow up with a thank-you, deliver any promised information, and look for opportunities to reconnect.

The takeaway: Don't just deliver a message. Build a relationship that lasts beyond the meeting.

Writing or Emailing Your Legislator
Cut Through the Noise. Make It Personal.

Legislative offices receive countless messages. The ones that stand out are clear, authentic, and connected to the communities lawmakers represent.

• Start with who you are. Identify yourself as a constituent and explain your connection to the district.
• Get straight to the point. State the issue and your position within the first few sentences.
• Bring it home. Connect the issue to local families, businesses, cooperative members, or economic development.
• Be authentic. A personal experience or practical example is more powerful than a generic, prewritten message.
• Keep it short and focused. A few well-written paragraphs can make a stronger impression than a lengthy explanation.
• Ask for something specific. Whether it's supporting legislation, opposing a proposal, or learning more about an issue, make your request clear.
• Stay connected. Acknowledge past support, follow up when appropriate, and continue the conversation as issues evolve.

 The takeaway: Your perspective as a constituent is your greatest advantage. Use it.

Calling Your Legislator
One Call Can Start a Conversation

When legislation is moving quickly, a phone call can be one of the most direct ways to make your position known.

• Know your message. Before calling, identify the issue, your position, and the action you're requesting.
• Introduce yourself. Share your name, where you live, and your connection to the electric cooperative.
• Make it count. Keep your message brief, confident, and focused on why the issue matters locally.
• Connect with staff. Legislative staff play an important role in shaping conversations and advising lawmakers. Treat them as valued partners in the process.
• Be clear about your request. Ask for a specific action, such as supporting or opposing legislation.
• Close on a positive note. Thank the legislator or staff member for their time, regardless of their position.
• Keep WECA informed. Share significant feedback, questions, or commitments so we can strengthen our collective advocacy efforts.

The takeaway: You don't need a polished speech. A clear message and a genuine local perspective can make a lasting impression.