How to Contact t Legislative Entities During a legislativee session, a legislator can be reached at the State Capitol through e-mail or by leaving a message with the legislativee telephonee message center at 1-888-NDLEGIS (635-3447) or 701-328-3373 (local). Otherwise, a legislator can be reached by mail, telephone, or e-mail at the address listed in the legislator's bio under Legislative Assembly. To find a Roster of Names and Address log on to http://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/61-2009/dist-legis.html. You will be able to select a Roster for Senators or Representatives. Roster of Senators' Names and Addresses Roster of Representatives' Names and Addresses Excel spreadsheet of legislator information (merge capable) The Legislative Council can be reached by: Phone: TDD: Fax: Mail: E-mail: 701-328-2916 1-800-366-6888 (ND Relay Service) 701-328-3615 Legislative Council State Capitol 600 East Boulevard Bismarck, ND 58505-0360 lcouncil@nd.gov
MEETING WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS 4-H Citizenship in Action gives youth an opportunity to meet with their state legislators and government officials. This interaction can help promote the positive impacts of the NDSU Extension Service 4-H program. The day s activities include a 4-H Showcase where you will be provided the chance to have a display table to highlight the happenings in your county, learn how the legislative process works, tour the state capitol and share ideas on how you can have a greater impact in your community. Appointments should be made with your state legislators prior to attending Citizenship in Action. Legislatures have busy schedules, the sooner you contact them the better. The next pages will provide you valuable steps which will walk you through the process of setting up a meeting with your elected officials. Also, we have included some helpful worksheets for you to complete, homework you can say, on learning more about your local legislators. If at any time you have questions regarding Citizenship in Action, contact your local NDSU Extension Service and visit with your 4-H agent.
Step 1: Find out who your elected officials are www.legis.nd..gov/information/general/contact.html. A roster of Senator s and Representatives names, addresses and email addresses are listed. Step 2: Contact your elected official using one of the given phone numbers or the email address. The best way to contact your legislator once the 2011 session has started is by email as they will be busy introducing bills and sitting in on committee hearings, they mostly always have their computer right in front of them. Schedule an appointment for the day you are in Bismarck for Citizenship in Action at the Capitol. Step 3: When visiting your elected official, dresss appropriately (Citizenship in Action polo, khaki or black pants/skirt and nice looking shoes). If the elected official is not available, talk to the staff. They will relay all your information to the Legislator upon his or her return. Step 4: Make sure you understand the legislative process. Have a basic understanding of the legislative process will allow you to communicate your ideas and thoughts effectively. Step 5: BE POLITE even if you disagree with your Representative or Senator. A legislator will be more likely to listen to someone who is reasonable rather than rude. Be respectful. Step 6: Legislators will be on a tightt schedule so use your time with them wisely, ask questions, express concerns, be prepared with what you want to say. Step 7: Make sure to mention 4 H as the reason you are at the Capitol. 4 H offers great programs and we want to make sure our legislators know that. Leave a handout about activities going on in your county 4 H program. It will leave an impression with your legislature. Remember these are also people you might come in contact with back home. They will remember someone who leaves a great impression. Shake their hand, introduce yourself and tell them where you are from. You are a future voter and they know that!
KNOW YOUR SENATOR During your time at the Capitol, you may have a chance to meet and talk with your State Senator. It is a great chance to mention 4 H as well as make a good impression for yourself and other youth in your community. The more information you have about your State Senator the better you will be able to interact with him or her. Look up your Legislator and answer a few questions for yourself. Senator s Name: District # Political Party and Position Held in Party: Other elected positions served in the past: House/Senate Committee Assignments: Special interests or priorities: Important recent bills voted on and how he/she voted: Interesting Biographical Information Was he/she involved in 4 H and if so how? Member or Leader?
KNOW YOUR REPRESENTATIVE During your time at the Capitol, you may have a chance to meet and talk with your State Representative. It is a great chance to mention 4 H as well as make a good impression for yourself and other youth in your community. The more information you have about your State Representative the better you will be able to interact with him or her. Look up your Legislator and answer a few questions for yourself. Representative s Name: District # Political Party and Position Held in Party: Other elected positions served in the past: House/Senate Committee Assignments: Special interests or priorities: Important recent bills voted on and how he/she voted: Interesting Biographical Information Was he/she involved in 4 H and if so how? Member or Leader?
Sources: Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette: The August Chronicle: Handshake Etiquette 83: Michigan State University Extension: Florida State University Extension