Be an ambassador of the game. Learn about golf’s economic, environmental and human impacts, and pass the information along to critics. Consider creating a fact sheet from the information provided in “Did you know,” to share with others – especially members of the media and elected officials.
Write letters to the editor. When the media criticizes the golf or provides inaccurate information, respond with a well-crafted letter to the editor defending your industry, like the presidents of the GCSAA, PGA and CMAA did in response to USA Today.
Letters to the editor are effective advocacy tools because they reach a large audience and they’re often monitored by elected officials. Consider these tips for getting your letter published:
• Check to see if the newspaper has submission guidelines; this information is typically located in the paper close to where letters are published or on the Web site under the Opinion section.
• Keep it short and focused on one subject. Space for letters is typically limited, so keeping your comments brief ensures your points aren’t cut out by the editors.
• Reference a specific article in the newspaper. Include date published and title of the article. While some papers may print general commentary, many only will print letters that refer to a specific article.
• Submit the letter electronically if possible; otherwise, make it legible. It doesn’t have to be formal, but use a computer or typewriter if your handwriting is difficult to read.
• Include your contact information. Many papers will print letters only after calling the submitter to verify their identity. Also include your title and affiliations with any organizations if they’re relevant to the topic.
• Avoid sarcasm and personal attacks.
Get in touch with elected officials. When bills are introduced or officials vote on issues that affect the industry, get in touch with your elected representatives to let them know how you – a constituent – feel about the topic.
• Contacting state and local officials.
o Find local officials' contact information on their individual Web sites or via an online directory:
Local Elected Officials directory
State Elected Officials directoryo The general tips for calling, writing and visiting members of Congress (below) apply to state and local officials, too. Take advantage of opportunities to interact with these officials and build relationships with them.
• Calling Congress.
or call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your officials’ office.o Find senators’ and representatives’ phone numbers via the online congressional directory at Congress.org
o Telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue you’re interested in.
o Identify yourself and tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose (S.___/H.R.___)." State reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your senators' or representative's position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call.
• Writing Congress.
o According to Congress.gov, the letter is the most popular chose of communication with a congressional office. If you choose e-mail, the same guidelines apply.
o State your purpose in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. R. ____, Senate bill: S.____.
o Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.
o Address only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.
o Addressing Correspondence
To a Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of)Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
To a Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of)House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it’s proper to address them as:
Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman
Dear Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker
• Visiting Congress
o Plan your visit carefully. Be clear about what it is you want to achieve; determine in advance which member or committee staff you need to meet with to achieve your purpose.
o Make an appointment. When attempting to meet with a member, contact the appointment secretary/scheduler. Explain your purpose and who you represent. It’s easier for congressional staff to arrange a meeting if they know what you wish to discuss and your relationship to the area or interests represented by the member.
o Be prompt and patient. When it’s time to meet with a member, be punctual and be patient. It is not uncommon for a Congressman or Congresswoman to be late, or to have a meeting interrupted due to the member's crowded schedule. If interruptions do occur, be flexible. When the opportunity presents itself, continue your meeting with a member's staff.
o Be prepared. Bring information and materials supporting your position. Members are required to take positions on many different issues. In some instances, a member may lack important details about the pros and cons of a particular matter. It’s therefore helpful to share with the member information and examples that demonstrate clearly the impact or benefits associated with a particular issue or piece of legislation.
o Be political. Members of Congress want to represent the best interests of their district or state. Wherever possible, demonstrate the connection between what you are requesting and the interests of the member's constituency. If possible, describe for the member how you or your group can be of assistance to him/her. Where it’s appropriate, remember to ask for a commitment.
o Be responsive. Be prepared to answer questions or provide additional information, in the event the member expresses interest or asks questions. Follow up the meeting with a thank-you letter that outlines the different points covered during the meeting, and send along any additional information and materials requested.
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