Key Points for Policy Work

1. MICAH’s POWER is God’s Power working through each of us.

2. Love and Treat Others as you would want to be treated.

3. Four A’s when talking with legislators:

   1. Awareness - Personal Story, Statistics

   2. Acceptance - We are all responsible for ensuring we have safe, decent, accessible, and affordable housing in our community.

   3. Action - Will they support this legislation. Yes, No, or do they need more information before deciding (help them get that information).

   4. Attitude - Treat each other with respect. Civil dialogue.

4. Tell your story - how the housing crisis has impacted you, a family member, friend, or person you know/have worked with.

5. Read through the Policy notebook. Additional information is always being added to this site, Our Work is a great place to start. If you are asked a question and don’t know the answer, let the legislator know that you will get back to them with the information and follow through. Legislative District Info.

6. Types of communication that have the most impact: Phone Calls, Hand Written Notes, Personal Visits.

   1. Notes and phone call sample format:
      Representative/Senator ,
      My name is . I live at .
      I am a member of MICAH. I want you to support Bill number , named .
      Include a short reason why you want them to support it.

   2. Meetings with Legislator sample format:
      Thank you Representative/Senator for meeting with me.
      My name is . I live in . I am a member of MICAH.
      I want you to support Bill number , named .
      Relate a short, personal story: why you want them to support the bill (2-3 minutes).
      Ask them, before you leave, if they will support the bill. Get a Yes, No, or find out what additional information they need.