matthewtime (![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} matthewtime) wrote,@ 2008-03-23 18:46:00 |
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#5: Invite your mayor or other elected official to address a trans group or town meeting
From the NCTE:
Okay, so maybe running for office isn’t for you, but it is critical that trans voices be heard by our elected officials. After all, they do represent you. Why not invite the mayor, a legislator, city council member or other elected official to address a trans group, conference or gathering? You can ask them to speak at an already scheduled event or create a special town meeting for them to speak as well as hear concerns from the community.
If the elected official you are inviting has been supportive of transgender causes, consider how you might say thank you. For example, consider giving a certificate of appreciation or an award.
If your local politicians have not been supportive, think of ways to help them change their positions. Use the opportunity to educate them about the discrimination that trans people face and helping them learn accurate and positive information about their trans constituents. You want to inspire them to be courageous and open minded when dealing with our issues. Remember, too, that people rarely change their positions because of direct confrontation; education works much better.
To invite an elected official, fax or mail a letter to their office, requesting their presence. State clearly who you are, what group you represent, what are you are asking from them, and briefly why you think their presence will be important. Be clear about whether you have a firm date in mind (for example, if you would like them to speak at an already scheduled conference or a Day of Remembrance observance) or if you are flexible about when this might take place. Be clear, too, about what you are asking (for example, would you like the person to give a 15 minute speech or sit down for an hour strategy session with community leaders?). Give plenty of lead time before you want to hold the event and remember that politicians have very busy schedules. Follow up with a phone call about a week after their offices receive the letter. Polite and persistent follow up is the most effective.
Be sure to publicize your event widely, both within our community and, if appropriate, to the media. Be as thorough as you can be in your set up, making sure that there are microphones, if needed, bottled water, and so on. Designate one person to meet your guest at the door and escort her or him to the front, and make sure that someone is prepared to introduce the elected official and to moderate questions, if needed.
Afterwards, send a thank you note to the politician and to any staff member who helped you with the arrangements. That will help you establish an on-going relationship with them.
From the NCTE:
Okay, so maybe running for office isn’t for you, but it is critical that trans voices be heard by our elected officials. After all, they do represent you. Why not invite the mayor, a legislator, city council member or other elected official to address a trans group, conference or gathering? You can ask them to speak at an already scheduled event or create a special town meeting for them to speak as well as hear concerns from the community.
If the elected official you are inviting has been supportive of transgender causes, consider how you might say thank you. For example, consider giving a certificate of appreciation or an award.
If your local politicians have not been supportive, think of ways to help them change their positions. Use the opportunity to educate them about the discrimination that trans people face and helping them learn accurate and positive information about their trans constituents. You want to inspire them to be courageous and open minded when dealing with our issues. Remember, too, that people rarely change their positions because of direct confrontation; education works much better.
To invite an elected official, fax or mail a letter to their office, requesting their presence. State clearly who you are, what group you represent, what are you are asking from them, and briefly why you think their presence will be important. Be clear about whether you have a firm date in mind (for example, if you would like them to speak at an already scheduled conference or a Day of Remembrance observance) or if you are flexible about when this might take place. Be clear, too, about what you are asking (for example, would you like the person to give a 15 minute speech or sit down for an hour strategy session with community leaders?). Give plenty of lead time before you want to hold the event and remember that politicians have very busy schedules. Follow up with a phone call about a week after their offices receive the letter. Polite and persistent follow up is the most effective.
Be sure to publicize your event widely, both within our community and, if appropriate, to the media. Be as thorough as you can be in your set up, making sure that there are microphones, if needed, bottled water, and so on. Designate one person to meet your guest at the door and escort her or him to the front, and make sure that someone is prepared to introduce the elected official and to moderate questions, if needed.
Afterwards, send a thank you note to the politician and to any staff member who helped you with the arrangements. That will help you establish an on-going relationship with them.
