Effective Political Communications

It is extremely important that farmers be involved in policy decisions at the local, state, and federal level because, quite often, elected officials charged with making policy do not farm and may not realize the impact their actions have on the viability of farms in our state.

Government involvement affects numerous farming issues

Farm families feel frustration toward governing bodies that seem unresponsive. The answer is to get engaged and get heard. Although farmers are a minority (less than 2%) of the U.S. population, elected officials care what farmers think, and need their input on many issues. Meeting food needs is essential for a Democracy – a hungry nation does not respect Property Rights, Civil Rights or Human Rights.

Effective communication with elected officials allows you to be heard on farm issues affecting you.  There are many ways to participate in the process of policy creation. Personal petition by  face-to-face meeting, phone, email, or letter is most compelling. 

Civic events, farm tours, board of ag meetings all give farmers a way to personally convey their concerns and build relationships with representatives. Phone calls are usually taken by staff members; it's important to ask to speak to the aide who handles the issue you would like to address. 

As a result of the 2001 anthrax attacks, writing your elected official via email has become increasingly popular since constituent letters must now go through a rigorous process that delays its receipt significantly. Nonetheless, letters remain the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office.

Know your Assemblymen, Congressmen, & Senators

Find your NJ State Assemblymen and Senators

Find your U.S. Representatives or Senators

Tips for expressing views and requesting support for specific actions:

• Use farm stationary -  This sets your letter apart from the piles of form letters your representatives receive daily. If you do not have stationary, be sure to provide your address, phone number, and email with your signature. 
• Keep letters brief - Keep your letter to one side of one page. Your representative and especially their staff only have a short time to read mail. By keeping your letter to one page, you will hold their attention. If your letter is about a bill, refer to it accurately, e.g., House bill: H.R. ____, Senate bill: S.____.
• Keep letters focused - Stick to one major issue or problem. The subject of your concern will be easier to remember and respond to if it is not buried by a list of concerns. Avoid complaining. State personal experiences or credentials you have regarding the subject of your letter.
• Show a constituent interest - Tell your representative how the matter is important, how it will personally affect your farm, and other voters you know.
• Request the action you want taken - Clearly state if you want support for or against a particular legislative action, policy, vote, or regulation.
• Ask for a response - When closing, thank your representative for their time reading your letter. Officials receive large volumes of letters. Do not expect a response, and only politely request a reply if your concern requires.
• Addressing Correspondence -  There are several correct forms of address for a Member of Congress including "The Honorable" and "Representative."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

New Jersey Farm Bureau

New Jersey State Board of Agriculture

 

Comments or questions about this topic? Contact: Jack Rabin