Advocacy Tips

• Schedule your meeting ahead of time. Reach out to your representative and senator and let them know you will be coming by as a part of Youth Justice Lobby Day. You will most likely meet with an aide, who will report back on your meeting to the legislator. This is typical, and not at all disappointing.

• Bring your friends! Lobbying is more fun, and has a greater impact, when done collectively.

• Share your personal experience. When meeting with your legislator, make sure what you plan to say is clear, brief, and memorable. Share facts and statistics if you have them, but your personal stories are a great way to make the issue feel real.

• Practice your talking points. You can download your own copy of the fact sheets here. You will receive two packets on Lobby Day to leave with each of your legislators with all the fact sheet that highlights key reasons to support these bills.

• Send a thank you note. Write your legislator a note (either by mail or by email) after your visit thanking them for taking the time to meet with you about youth justice in Massachusetts! You can also thank them directly on X or Facebook.

• Attend a pre-training on Influencing Legislators. Are you nervous or excited to meet with your elected officials, but aren't sure how to? Join us for upcoming virtual trainings (June 10th or June 12th) which will cover the basics of meeting with legislators and other elected officials.