You open your social media or weekly newsletter and see an alert from the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance that a bad bill has been introduced in your state . “ Contact your state legislators today !” we urge . What you do next , how you fight back , could determine whether that bill advances or dies in committee . If you know your state legislators , you already have allies and can counterattack before the legislation has a chance to get off the ground .
We ’ re talking about proactive politics and establishing a relationship with your elected officials before it is time to ask them for their support . This is how to make a real difference .
STEP 1
FIND YOUR LEGISLATORS First , find the names and contact information for your elected officials — U . S . and state senators and representatives — by using “ Contact Your Officials ” on the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance website . You can also look up this information on your state ’ s legislative website . Once you find your legislators , start to learn more about them on their own page or personal websites . Important information includes bills they ’ ve sponsored , what committees they serve on , what their personal interests are , etc .
If you voted for them , jot down the things about their campaign platform that resonated with you . If they made promises during the campaign that you know about , make note of those as well . If you did not vote for them , jot down how your views differ . If you are new to the state or did not vote , research their websites to get to know more about them . Make a list of questions to ask about their careers , families , values and voting histories .
ADOBE STOCK
STEP 2
PREPARE AN INTRODUCTION Once you have written down information and questions for your legislators , turn your attention to yourself . Who are you and what do you stand for ? You are their constituent , and they should know you just as well as you have gotten to know them .
Start with your name and how long you ’ ve lived in their district . Consider what organizations you support , such as the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance and other conservation organizations , and why they are important to you . Reflect on your history as a sportsman and recollect a brief story about why this tradition is essential to your way of life . Research a recent hunting-related bill and consider how it would impact you in a positive or negative way . Make a specific list of topics , laws or restrictions you would like to know their stance on . Identify how you could be a resource to them on hunting , fishing , trapping or conservation issues . Use the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance “ 2020 Economic Impacts of Hunting and Target Shooting Report ” to show them the economic importance of sportsmen in their district and state .
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