It takes minutes to place a call to your legislator, and it can make a world of difference to the future of Early Steps. We’ve compiled the following list of guidelines to help you effectively communicate with your legislators.

To find your state legislator's phone number, please visit the Florida House of Representatives website or the Florida Senate website.

• Try to get the number for your legislator's district office. When your legislator is in your district they will have more time to speak with you, and they’re more likely to help if they think of you as their constituent.
• Ask to speak with your legislator directly. Telephone calls are often taken by a staff member, not the legislative member.
• If your legislator is not available, it’s important to request a written response to your phone call. Requesting a written response to your call ensures it will be counted in the total number of calls about Early Steps. It’s also a good idea to write down the name and title of the person you speak with. Keep in mind that it is important to develop and maintain a good relationship with your legislator’s staff members.

Upon reaching your state legislator on the phone, it's easiest to follow these three basic steps:

1. IDENTIFY yourself by name and the organization that you represent or the town from which you are calling. Legislators are most responsive to their constituents, the people who keep them in office. If you voted for them, let them know.
2. EXPLAIN why you are calling: "I am calling regarding the 2012 budget for Early Steps."
3. ENGAGE them in conversation about Early Steps. For instance, you can ask your legislator if they are familiar with Early Steps. Your legislator may not have prior knowledge of the program, so be prepared to educate them. Use personal and local examples to make your point.
4. THANK them for their time and consideration.

After you call your legislator, you can recruit like-minded people to call their Florida legislators on behalf of Early Steps. The quantity of phone calls made to legislators is critical to any campaign. A legislator will be more likely to get involved if he or she believes that many of their constituents care about saving Early Steps. You may also call more than once to talk with your legislator about the Early Steps program.

Sources:
www.savemynjlibrary.org/content/tips-calling-your-state-legislators
www.familiesusa.org/resources/tools-for-advocates/tips/phone-call.html
www.neanh.org/Legislature/Phone_Tips.pdf