Amazon Book Description
Practical guidance how to prepare for and meet with elected officials and staff, how to write effective letters and emails to elected officials, strategies for influencing legislators face-to-face, best practices for communicating with Congress and state legislatures, and how to write persuasive "letters to the editor".

Mr. Fitch believes that a well-informed constituency can be a driving force in swaying elected officials. The book offers advice on how to approach members of Congress, the value of being informed, ways to inform members about the effects of their decisions, and dealing with congressional support staff.

"Citizen's Handbook" is one part research studies, one part interviews and focus groups, and one part experience. It uses available research on Congress and its decision making. Dozens of elected officials, including members of Congress, and their staff agreed to off-the-record interviews and discussed the factors that contribute to their decision-making process.

Strategies for Influencing Legislators Face-to-Face

Best Practices for Communicating with Congress and State Legislatures

Practical Guidance How to Prepare for and Meet with Elected Officials

How to Write Effective Letters and Email to Members of Congress

How to Write Persuasive Letters to the Editor that Get Published

Summary Table of Contents

Part I. How Government Really Works
Ch. 1. How Congressional Offices Work
Ch. 2. Congressional Culture
Ch. 3. How Legislators Make Decisions
Ch. 4. People Who Can (and Can't) Influence Legislators and How They Do It

Part II. How to Influence a Legislator
Ch. 5. Strategies for Influencing Legislators
Ch. 6. Face-to-Face Meetings
Ch. 7. Communications

Appendices
A. The Advocate's Pledge
B. US Constitution and Amendments
C. Declaration of Independence
D. Information about Congress and Washington, DC Index

The book includes several success tips checklists, including ten points to manage a face-to-face meeting, seven hints to get written communications noticed, and six things staffers look for in a phone call. A matrix chart of how legislators rank different issues is one of eight useful appendices.

~~~~~~~

Watch Bradford Fitch discuss the book on C-Span Video, November 26, 2010. He also responds to telephone calls and electronic communications.

View more information on this book at TheCapitol.net publications page.