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If you’re looking to change a law, begin by researching the issue thoroughly. Identify which level of government is most relevant for your cause, and keep an eye on any related bills or legislation in progress. You may be able to draft the law yourself or seek help from your state or national representative. While making changes at the local or state level is generally more achievable, there are still opportunities to influence law at the federal level.

Part1

Finding your Issue

1. Discover an issue you care about.
   You might choose a small issue, such as advocating for people to clean up after their pets, or a large one, like fighting to remove sales tax on groceries in your state. The smaller the issue, the higher the likelihood of making a real impact. Local governments are generally more accessible, and as a member of that community, your voice can have more influence compared to a state or national level.
   Small-scale vs. large-scale issues
   Learn more about effective local advocacy

1. Know the responsible level of government for the law.
   Once you’ve identified the issue, determine which level of government is in charge of the law. For a national law, you’ll need to work with a Senator or Congressman. If it’s a state law, your state house representative or senator will be the person to approach. For local laws or ordinances, connect with the city councillor, mayor, or local supervisor.
   Identifying the right government body
   Discover how to contact your local representatives

1. Read and understand the laws governing your issue.
   Get familiar with the law in question. Find out its history: when was it passed, who was responsible for its creation, and when it was last amended. Knowing the law’s background will give you insight into how it could be changed and who to approach. For example, if the law was previously amended by a city council vote, chances are, the process for change will involve the same group.
   Understanding the legal framework
   Find laws related to your issue

1. Talk to the people or groups who last amended the law.
   It’s crucial to reach out to those who played a role in shaping or changing the law previously. They can provide valuable feedback on whether your idea is feasible and whether the same process will apply this time around. If the law was changed through a ballot measure in some states, you’ll need to know how to get your issue back on the ballot, including filing deadlines and the number of signatures required.
   Engaging with stakeholders
   How to get a measure on the ballot

Looking for Local Solutions

1. Learn how your city government operates.
   Cities and towns have various governing structures, so understanding how yours works is key if you’re looking to change a local law. Most cities have a mayor and a city council, but some may also include city managers and commissioners. In some states, citizens can file local or state referendums, but in many places, you’ll need support from the city council or mayor to bring your idea to a vote.
   Understanding local government structure
   Explore how local governments work

1. File an initiative or referendum if allowed in your state.
   In some states, citizens have the power to file initiatives or referendums to change laws. Check if your state allows it. Typically, you would file your intention to put your law on the ballot, gather signatures, and submit the petition with the necessary signatures. However, this process is often more complicated in practice.
   Understanding initiatives and referendums
   Learn about the initiative process

1. Attend community meetings if referendums aren’t an option.
   If you cannot file a referendum, attending community meetings is a vital step to raise your issue with local lawmakers. Many cities host regular meetings for constituents to voice concerns. You’ll typically have a limited time to speak, so preparation is crucial. It may take attending several meetings before gaining traction, but persistence is key.
   Getting involved in local meetings
   Find out when your city holds public meetings

1. Research the mayor and council members.
   Get to know the key figures in your city government by researching the mayor and city council members. Check their official websites to see the types of laws they’ve supported in the past and whether your issue aligns with their views. Securing support from a sympathetic council member or the mayor is crucial to getting your proposed law passed.
   Understanding local leaders and their policies
   Find information about your local representatives

1. Schedule a meeting with your chosen lawmaker.
   Once you’ve done your research, schedule a meeting with the mayor or a city council member you think will support your cause. Present your ideas clearly and provide copies of your proposed changes. Be prepared to discuss the feasibility of your goals and listen to their feedback. They may ask for a petition with signatures or could choose to present it to the full council themselves.
   Meeting with lawmakers
   Tips for meeting with government officials

1. Be patient as lawmakers review your proposal.
   After presenting your proposed law and any required materials, such as a petition, be patient while the lawmakers decide on the next steps. The city council might vote on your proposal soon, or it could be delayed due to other ongoing business.
   Waiting for legislative action
   Learn about how legislative processes work

1. Understand that law changes can take time.
   Changing a law can be a lengthy process, and there’s always the chance that your proposal may not pass on the first attempt. If this happens, continue working to gather support from the community and city leaders, and be ready to push for another vote.
   Patience in legislative change
   The long road of changing laws

1. Try again if your proposal fails.
   If your proposal doesn’t pass initially, don’t give up. Engage with more constituents, build stronger alliances, and go through the process again. This time, consider using the media, holding focused meetings, and increasing public awareness through signs or campaigns.
   Persistence in the face of failure
   How to rally support for your cause

3.Making Change at the State Level

1. File an initiative or referendum if allowed in your state.
   In some states, citizens can file initiatives or referendums to bring a law to the ballot. This process involves submitting your intent to get the law on the ballot, gathering over 1,000 signatures from registered voters, and filing the signed petition along with the law. The attorney general will review the petition, write the title, and then the measure will appear on the next state ballot.
   Understanding the initiative and referendum process
   Learn about filing an initiative or referendum

1. Identify your state representative and senator if you can’t file a referendum.
   If your state doesn’t allow citizens to directly file ballot measures, the next step is identifying your state representative and senator. These lawmakers are responsible for your district and can help you address changes to state law. They are the key individuals to approach when seeking legislative change.
   Finding and contacting your representatives
   Find your state representatives

1. Do your research.
   Before reaching out to your representatives, do some homework. Look up their websites and read news articles to understand their stance on relevant issues. Research their political party, voting record, and past behavior to gauge if they are likely to support your idea. This helps in selecting the right representative to approach first.
   Researching your representatives
   How to research your state legislators

1. Contact both of your representatives.
   The most effective way to contact your state representative is through email, which can be found on their official website. When reaching out, explain that you’re a constituent working to change or pass a law. Attach a draft of your proposed law and request a meeting to discuss its feasibility. If your first choice doesn’t respond, contact the other representative.
   Contacting your representatives
   How to contact your elected officials

1. Meet with your representative.
   Meeting with your representative may require a trip to the state capital, but it’s also possible to meet with them while they are in your district. Be prepared by dressing professionally and clearly presenting your case for the law change. Have your arguments and supporting facts ready to explain why the change is necessary.
   Meeting with your representative
   How to meet with your legislator

1. Listen to your representative.
   If your representative is unwilling to work with you, remain respectful and ask for advice on how to proceed. They might refer you to another legislator or a group with similar concerns. Even if they are not able to help directly, maintaining a polite demeanor is essential for maintaining a productive relationship.
   Handling rejection gracefully
   Tips for dealing with political rejection

4.Creating the National Solution

1. Check the house docket for pending legislation.
   Before starting a full-scale lobbying effort, check to see if there are any bills already in the legislative process that might help you achieve your goal. If there is relevant legislation in the pipeline, you can focus on lobbying your representative to vote a certain way on that bill. This can save you time and energy in creating new legislation.
   Identifying existing legislation
   Learn how to check the legislative docket

1. Contact your legislator.
   Contacting your legislator can be a challenge, so it’s important to stand out. Have you met the legislator before? What role do you play in their community? Persistence is key—schedule appointments, keep calling, and follow up until you get through. When emailing, be clear and concise about your proposed law, and make it personal. Include your contact information so they can reach you easily. Consider donating to their campaign to increase the chances of them engaging with you.
   Effective ways to contact legislators
   How to contact your representative

1. Meet with your legislator.
   Be prepared for delays when meeting with your legislator—appointments often take a month or more to schedule. When you do meet, present your proposed legislation in a clear and professional manner, highlighting how it aligns with the concerns of their constituents. Be respectful of their time and bring informational materials that they can review later.
   Preparing for a meeting with your legislator
   How to schedule and prepare for a meeting

1. See the issue from the legislator’s perspective.
   Understand that your legislator may have different goals and values than you, and this could impact their willingness to support your cause. If your proposed law conflicts with their political platform or constituent base, they may not be receptive. After your meeting, send a thank-you note and gently remind them of the conversation.
   Understanding the legislator’s priorities
   How to align your goals with your legislator’s platform

1. Stay in contact with your legislator.
   After your initial meeting, don’t expect immediate action. The legislative process, especially at the federal level, can be slow. Continue to follow up with polite emails and letters, asking for suggestions on how to further pursue your cause or connect with groups that share your concerns.
   Maintaining communication with lawmakers
   Effective follow-up strategies with legislators

1. Make connections with members of the legislator’s staff.
   Since it can be difficult to reach the legislator directly, try building relationships with their staff. Staffers can advocate on your behalf, suggest ways to move forward, and keep you updated on legislative developments. Building a strong rapport with staffers can make it easier to influence the legislator’s decision.
   Building relationships with legislative staffers
   How to work with legislative staff

1. Don’t give up hope.
   Changing national law is a long, complicated process that can take years to see results, even if your efforts are successful. Prepare for setbacks and be ready to push forward despite challenges. Staying persistent and continuing to engage with your legislator is key to eventually achieving your goal.
   Persistence in the legislative process
   Why persistence is key in advocacy