Building ongoing effective relationships
with your elected officials

• Send them an introductory letter
  Include information about the history and background of the watershed organization, recent accomplishments, and opportunities for involvement. Be concise…a one-page letter is more likely to be read than a longer one. Mail the letter on letterhead and include contact information.
• Take them on a watershed tour
  Seeing the watershed is a great way to make the needs of your organization, your projects, and the needs of local fish and water real. Nothing creates understanding and rapport better than firsthand experience.
• Invite them to speak at a meeting of your organization
  Elected officials love to speak to groups of constituents. It's an opportunity for them to get to know their constituents, to find out what issues your group is concerned about, and to offer insights and assistance.
• Mention your activities with elected officials in newsletters and at meetings
  After you have met with an elected official, give the meeting a positive mention in your newsletter and at your group's meetings. If the elected official is involved with your group in other ways -- by taking part in a restoration project, for example -- mention that as well.
• Add them to mailing list for agendas, minutes, and newsletters
  These materials, along with the press releases and newspaper articles mentioned next, help keep the elected official informed on your activities and shows that your group is active and productive.
• Send press releases and newspaper articles
• Invite them to participate in restoration projects
  Taking part in a project will give the elected official first-hand knowledge of what your group does. It's also a great opportunity for both your organization and the official to get news coverage.
• Send them any reports, brochures and other products produced by your organization that highlight your work
  The elected official may keep these on hand for later referral.
• Ask the elected official for help
  Part of an elected official's job is to help constituents cut through red tape, find the right agency or contact person, and the like. Usually staff members take care of this type of work rather than the elected officials themselves, but it is still a priority for any legislator's office. The ability to get help is one of the goals of developing a working relationship with an elected official.
• Get to know the elected official's key staff members
  Elected officials have staff who keep them informed on developments in various issues. Get to know the staff member who keeps tabs on watershed issues. Keep him/her on your mailing list.