Establish, if you haven't already, a personal relationship with your local Representatives and Senator. Do this soon before the session heats up and their availability decreases.

1. Visit them at the capitol and make them aware of your purpose and the importance of the CHDF to your work.
2. Invite them to visit your institution and/or attend one of your events

Tips on making those meetings a success

1. Be on time. Legislators have tight schedules and you'll get off on the wrong foot if you're late.
2. Be brief, specific, and timely. Check the Coalition's advocacy website for the latest information on legislative developments, fact sheets and other heritage information.
3. Bring the message home. Bring materials that will illustrate your own programs and their importance in your community.
4. Be positive and courteous. Votes are rarely won through threats, sarcasm or personal criticism.
5. Ask for a specific response to your request.
6. Follow-up with a thank you letter. Few people do. It will be remembered.

Tips on responding to e-mail alerts.

1. Time is of the essence. The General Assembly can move quickly and with little notice. He who hesitates is often lost.
   
2. Phone calls work.
   

   Contact information: Call the appropriate number below and ask to be connected to your legislator

Senate Democrats: (860) 240-8600
Senate Republicans: (860) 240-8800
House Democrats: (860) 240-8500
House Republicans: (860) 240-8700

• Ask to speak to his/her aide if the legislator is not available. They have the Representative/Senator's ear and will convey your views. Be sure to take down the name of the aide you talked to.
• It's very important to identify yourself as a constitute if you're contacting your own legislator. Your vote is a priority for them.
• Be specific, brief and on message. Have the alert or other information in front of you as this will help you to be brief and to the point. Don't stay on the phone more than 2-3 minutes unless the legislator or aide prolongs the conversation.
• Leave your name, address, telephone number and/or e-mail address so that they can get back to you with the legislator's position. Let them know (nicely) that you expect a reply.

3. E-mails are also effective

• Consult www.cga.state.ct.us for a general assembly e-mail directory.
• Be sure to identify yourself as a constituent if writing your own legislators.
• Be specific and brief in stating your position.
• Be positive and courteous.
• Ask for a response to your letter.
• Keep the Coalition informed of your legislator(s) position at info@ctculture.org.

4. Follow-up with a real letter on your institutional letterhead.