Legislative Key Contact Program

WHAT IS A FADAA LEGISLATIVE KEY CONTACT?

A Key Contact is an individual who has accepted the responsibility of serving as an information link between a legislator and the Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association (FADAA).

WHAT DOES A KEY CONTACT DO?

The Key Contact usually selects one or more legislators who serve in their geographical area as their "designated legislator." When necessary, FADAA will sometimes ask a Key Contact to take responsibility for a certain legislator.

The Key Contact is called upon to actively work with FADAA throughout the year to lobby certain legislators. This is particularly true when a Key Contact has responsibility for a legislator who is a member of a committee that has jurisdiction over issues such as substance abuse. The Key Contact's effectiveness and willingness to take an active role in the program could ultimately affect the outcome of legislation, which impacts substance abuse programs in Florida.

The "key" to the whole program is dependent upon the Key Contact's ability to develop and maintain an ongoing relationship and dialogue with a designated legislator.

BASIC FUNCTIONS OF A KEY CONTACT

• Familiarize yourself with the legislative process, and with your legislator(s). Meet with them often and discuss issues and goals for the legislative session.
• Develop an awareness of pending legislation that your member will be voting on. Follow news about legislation in the paper, on TV, the WEB (http//www.leg.state.fl.us) and in weekly FADAA Legislative Updates.
• Respond promptly to FADAA requests for action. If you have any questions or need background information, call FADAA.
• Plan a tour of your program, a special event or a luncheon for your legislator. Develop a relationship that will encourage them to call on you as a resource for information on substance abuse issues.
• Respond quickly to favorable legislative actions by way of thank-you letters to the legislator.
• Keep in contact with your legislator during the non-session months.
• Become familiar with the legislators' staff members and stay in contact year-round.
• Cultivate local community support and request support of FADAA issues.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR LEGISLATOR

• Arrange meetings well in advance, keeping in mind that most legislators hold other jobs and their time is limited.
• Come prepared and state your purpose briefly and directly. Have your facts correct.
• State precisely what you wish the legislator to do, such as increase substance abuse services funding. Use information supplied by FADAA to support your request.
• Supply the legislator with FADAA position papers on your subject requests.
• Always follow-up your visit with a letter of thanks.

• Limit your letter to a single subject.
• Be succinct and to the point.
• Support your position with facts…correct facts.
• Explain how the issue will affect you and your program.
• Always follow-up with a thank you letter after you receive a reply.