There are many ways to build relationships with your local representatives:
- In-person or via Zoom meeting. This is the most effective way to build a relationship, face to face. Contact your representative’s office by phone or email to set up a meeting.
- Email. Great for regular engagement. Send an email when you want to comment on a particular issue, but also send a brief note of encouragement or a holiday message at other times of the year to help establish a relationship. Our SimpleMail tool is a great way to get started with this.
- Phone. Members of Parliament or provincial legislatures get very few phone calls from concerned members in their ridings. A phone call makes them stop and take notice in a way e-mail cannot, so we strongly encourage taking the time to make a phone call about current issues! Remember to maintain a respectful, calm tone and be prepared so you can clearly explain why you are calling. Follow up with sending an email within the next 24 hours, again thanking him/her for taking the time to listen.
For more tips on a productive visit and some basic talking points, visit our Building a Relationship page.