Want to tell your legislators how you feel but do not know where to start?
The Alliance understands that reaching out to policy makers can be uncomfortable. Please keep that in mind this is a citizen legislature with little staff. Input of citizens is much more important here than in most other states.  Too many people think their opinions do not matter or will not be well received. The Alliance has provided this guide to help citizens express their views and try to implement change.

How to contact a legislator:

• Keep in mind that our elected representatives and government officials are there to serve us, the citizenry. Most of them are happy to receive feedback and requests from their constituents- it helps them do their job. If you try and an individual is unresponsive or not receptive to you, keep that in mind the next time you cast your vote.
• In New Hampshire most legislators list their email, a mailing address and an office telephone number, or a home phone number, on the General Court website.
• Contact the policy maker according to the way you feel most comfortable; if you do not like to talk on a phone, then use email or mail them a letter.

Calling a legislator:

• If the legislator has more than one phone listed, call their office phone first.
• If you get their answering machine, leave a message and call back in a couple of days if you have not received an answer. The best time to call is either late morning or early afternoon, which is the most likely time the legislator will be in their office.
• If they have listed their home phone, feel free to call there also.
• When talking to a legislator it is important to always remain calm and speak from your heart.
• Before you hang-up say thank you and tell them your name and town.

Here is a possible script that you can use when calling an elected representative:

Hello Senator or Representative, my name is ____ and I’m a resident of ____. I’m calling you because I think the legislature should pass/defeat (name the bill and why you think it should be either passed or defeated and tell them the reasons you feel this way). Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns.

How to email a legislator:

• When contacting a legislator maker through email remember that they can receive hundreds of emails a week.
• In the email, use a professional tone and keep it as short as possible.
• Always identify yourself with your name and town.

Here is a possible script you can use when emailing a legislator:

Dear Senator or Representative,
 
I urge you to support/defeat (name the bill) because (list reasons why the legislator should support or vote against the bill).
 
Sincerely,

Your name
Your town
Your phone number

How to contact the governor:

• Please use the above scripts and guidelines if you decide to contact Governor Lynch.
• When contacting the governor through email remember that he can receive hundreds of emails a week.
• In the email, use a professional tone and keep it as short as possible.
• Always identify yourself with your name and town.

How to contact other government officials:

Here is a possible script that you can use when calling an elected representative:

Hello Mr./Mrs., my name is ____ and I’m a resident of ____. I’m calling you because I have a problem with (describe your situation to the official). Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns.

Here is a possible script you can use when emailing a government official:

Dear Mr./Mrs.,
 
I am contacting you because I have a problem with (describe your situation to the official in a professional manner).
 
Sincerely,
Your name
Your town
Your phone number