During the legislative session, you should contact your legislator at their Capitol phone number. Phone numbers can be found on the legislative services website (http://legis.state.va.us/).

Tell whoever answers the phone who you are, your agency (if calling on behalf of agency) and where you live and/or work. Request to speak to the legislator directly. If your legislator is not available, ask to speak to an aide.

When you get the legislator or aide on the phone, let them know concisely:

• Who you are (include agency name if calling on behalf of agency)
• Where you are from (if calling on behalf of agency, include entire service area, not just where agency is located)
• What you are calling about (be specific, what bill number or budget amendment line item)
• What you want from them (e.g., support for a bill, opposition to a budget cut, action on a proposal).

If you get an answering machine, state who you are, your agency’s name and location (if you are calling on behalf of the agency), and what you want them to support or reject, including the bill number. Again, be specific.

Make sure to leave your contact information so your legislator can get back in touch with you.

For more information contact Stacy Ruble at PublicPolicy@vsdvalliance.org. E-mail is not a secure form of communication. To ensure confidentiality please call the Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.838.8238 (V/TTY).