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Rick listens when people talk.
He wants to hear from you.
"Try searching the Internet with the words politician and advocate combined. My Internet search revealed that there are citizens and there are non-profit organizations that advocate for their cause; and then there are the politicians that they lobby.
But, can a politician be your advocate? According to the Internet, that scenario does not readily exist.
Therefore, I conclude that Rick Weldon is the different kind of politician that we have all been looking for. The one who is worth getting up out of that recliner and going to the polls to vote for." Lisa Baugher, citizen advocate.
Rick Weldon is a Leader that advocates
for you and your family.
Rick responds to your concerns, advocates for your needs, empowers you by opening government’s door and when necessary, joins your battles to ensure that your voice is heard.
In addition, Rick Weldon empowers you by providing you the tools to communicate effectively with government. Below are some quick guidelines for those who choose to advocate:
- Research – Know the issues. The Internet can be your most valuable tool.
- Most Important - Know whom to lobby. Find out whom to contact.
- Make full use of the political processes. Initiate/support/oppose legislation as necessary. Visit in person, by mail, fax, or e-mail the appropriate elected official(s).
- Power in Numbers. Find others who share your view.
- Provide concise, accurate information and testimony.
- Back up your information by providing expert statements and references.
- Be respectful and make it easy for politicians to listen.
- Have you speaking points written out before hand.
- Be prepared to answer questions and defend your position.
- Use short and simple persuasive arguments and have quotes and/or statistics ready to recite.
- Hand a short letter to legislators with your persuasive arguments and
information
- Believe in what you are advocating. Share your passion through organized
efforts to communicate.
- Know your audience in order to enhance your chances of communicating with them rather than just throwing words at them. Develop a personal relationship with policy makers by communicating with them.
- Know your opposition. Be able to address the objectionable part(s) of the opposition’s stance directly and effectively, using verifiable examples and statistics.
- Speak and/or present testimony at public hearings in committee. Show up early to get your name on the list to speak. Have your speaking points, or entire speech, written out. Keep it short (around 2-3 minutes maximum), practice, be articulate. Be persuasive. Be respectful.
- Stay focused! Pick the most important points. Frame the points clearly. Make the points easy to remember. Stay positive and always try to agree with as much as you can.
- Look for alternatives.
- Make full use of the media.
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