Lesson #7 - How do I contact my Legislators?

Do you support expanding access to midwives for out of hospital birth? Your legislators need to hear why this issue is important to you! Here’s a quick list of ways you can use your voice to express your support to Alabama lawmakers.

  • Identify your Legislators
    • Lookup your ZIP+4 code from the US Post Office.
    • Lookup your legislative districts from the AL Legislature website. Enter your ZIP+4 in the left-hand sidebar in the “Find Your Legislator” area.
    • Click on your legislator’s name to find their contact information.
    • Check with ABC to discover your legislator’s history of supporting midwives.

  • Send an email or card
    • Identify yourself as their constituent.
    • Express your support for legal midwives who specialize in out of hospital birth.
    • Tailor your message towards the legislator’s political perspective:
      • Republicans - Request legislation to protect personal freedoms and minimize government regulations.
      • Democrats - Request legislation to protect a woman’s choice in health care decisions and provides for safe health care options.
    • Keep in touch! Give yourself calendar reminders to encourage regular contact throughout the year (holiday card, note with bill number at beginning of session, Valentine’s card, mid-session reminder, thank-you after session is over, etc).

  • Make a phone call
    • During the spring legislative session, be ready to make calls in response to ABC action requests. A phone call usually only takes a minute!
    • When you speak with the office staff, keep your message short and direct.
      • Identify yourself as a constituent.
      • Ask the staff member to convey your request that the legislator either support or oppose a particular bill or issue.
      • Thank the staff member for their hard work!

  • Schedule a meeting
    • During summer/fall months, call to set up an appointment for you to meet with your legislator to discuss out of hospital midwifery care.
    • Contact ABC to see if a midwifery advocate could attend the meeting with you.
    • Show respect and build rapport with your legislator by wearing business casual apparel and refraining from bringing small children to the meeting.
    • Share your personal stories about your birth or desire for midwifery care.
    • Discuss educational materials provided by ABC during your meeting.
    • Ask the legislator about concerns s/he has regarding legislation and jot down notes during or after your meeting.
    • If possible, offer to assist your legislator in the upcoming campaign season.
    • Let ABC know how your meeting went!

Next ---> Lesson #8 - Using Newspapers to Educate our Legislators
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