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Writing elected officials is an important means of communication between the people and their government. It is a means of expressing our needs and concerns to those that play a significant role in our future. Your thoughts, opinions and concerns matter and should be heard by those that represent you in the local and state government. Below is a list of tools and tips for effectively contacting your legislator.
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For names and information regarding your elected officials, visit the following links:
You can also find elected officials from your area by using a search engine such as Google. Just type "elected officials" and the name of your county and click search.
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- When contacting any type of representative — local, state or federal — do some research on who he/she is and which community or district he/she represents.
- Know the best way to reach your representative effectively. This information may be posted on his/her website, or you can call his/her office and ask.
- Let your representative know that you are a supporter of the University of Central Florida.
- Timing is everything. For example, if your issue is regarding a bill, make sure you contact your legislator before the bill is voted on.
- Always be polite, even if you strongly disagree with your representative.
- Always thank your representative for his/her time.
- Stay focused on your topic and keep each letter, phone call or meeting to that one issue.
- If you have another issue you would like to discuss, address it at another time.
- Be personal — use your name and give information about yourself that will help your representative identify you.
- Let us know about your contact with your representative.
- Plan the timing of your call carefully. You do not want to call your representative during lunch or when he/she is out of the office.
- Discuss only one issue and keep to the point.
- Organize your thoughts and ideas ahead of time and keep notes to help stay on track.
- More than likely you will first speak to an aide. Aides are knowledgeable and will direct your message to your representative.
- If a question arises that you are unsure of, say that you will get back to him/her and contact Knights Advocates.
- Thank your representative for his/her time.
- Make an appointment with your representative for a day and time where both of you are available.
- Don't just drop by and expect him/her to drop everything so you can be seen.
- Be well prepared for your meeting;
- Make note cards to help stay on track.
- If possible, create a one-page fact sheet with any relevant information about your issue.
- Keep explanations short and precise.
- Thank your representative for his/her time.
- You can find your representative's e-mail address on his/her website, or by visiting the Florida Senate and House of Representatives (links provided above).
- Keep your letter or e-mail focused on one issue and try not to stray off topic.
- See "By Mail" tab for more tips on writing an e-mail.
- Typed letters are preferred, but hand written letters are acceptable as long as they are legible.
- Focus your thoughts and try not to stray away from your main topic.
- Write all that is necessary in as few words as possible.
- Keeping your letter to one page is preferred.
- Lengthy letters tend to lose the reader and have less of an impact than a short, to-the-point letter.
- Use your own stationary.
- If you are writing as the representative of a group, use the organization's stationary.
- Do not write on postcards.
- Begin the letter with "Dear Representative (Last Name)" or "Dear Senator (Last Name)" depending on which applies.
- Make sure you have the correct address. This information can be found on your representative's website.
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Example:
The Honorable (Full Name), House of Representatives
513 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
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The Honorable (Full Name), The Senate
405 The Capitol 404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
Legislative Spotlight
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Representative Crisafulli was first elected to the Florida Senate in 2008 and then subsequently reelected in 2010. He graduated from UCF in 1996 and has applied this knowledge to key issues in the legislature such as responsible spending, economic development and education. Steve Crisafulli is a fourth generation resident of Brevard county. He is currently involved in projects and legislation that are designed to revitalize Florida's economy including efforts to make Cape Canaveral a more efficient facility that can build and test in addition to its current function as a launch site. As a small businessman himself, Crisafulli has taken his knowledge and experience and implemented it into his work as a legislator by advocating appropriate allocation of the state's budget into programs and investments that will be valuable assets in both short and long term scenarios. Coming from a family heritage in the agricultural field, Crisafulli understands the importance of agriculture, its role in Florida's economy and the importance of keeping this key industry strong and thriving. In 2010 Crisafulli received a number of acknowledgements for his work as a legislator, which include The Champion for Business Award, Legislator of the Year Award, and an "A" rating from The Foundation of Florida's Future to name a few. UCF thanks Representative Crisafulli for his past and current services to the state. |
Knights Caucus
The Knights Caucus is comprised of those State House and Senate members who either represent the UCF service area within their respective districts, or who are UCF alumni that serve in the legislature from other parts of Florida. We are thankful to these state officials who work diligently on behalf of UCF's interests and are thankful for the leadership and service they provide to our university and state.
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Contacting Your Legislator
