It is your right to let Oklahoma’s elected officials know what is important to you. They want to hear from you and you need to make your voice heard. As a state employee you have every right to call, email or visit legislators. Just remember that you need to do so on your time, not work time, and using your own phone and computer. You can call them from your personal cell phone at lunch or break. You can email them from home when you are not at work.
Legislators will appreciate hearing from you. Since they deal with a vast array of issues, they can’t be experts in all areas. You can provide them with knowledge about the great job you do for the State of Oklahoma and the challenges you face.
State employees and retirees are directly by elected officials’ decisions in areas like compensation, retirement, insurance, job satisfaction and working conditions. A simple telephone call to your legislator can help educate them before they vote on important bills .
Phone Call Tips:
· Write a list the points you would like to discuss before making the call
· Identify yourself and include your full name, where you work and that you are thier constituent
· Be professional and polite
· Include specific information about your request or position on a bill
· Thank your legislator for their time
Letter Writing Tips:
· Personalize the letter, don’t use a form. Describe your issue clearly but be as brief as possible
· Use the proper address and greeting such as “Dear Representative Doe” and identify yourself
Email Tips:
· Identify your topic in the subject line and mention the bill number you are referring to
· Keep the email short and to the point
· Be direct and ask for a specific action or vote
· Offer to answer any questions regarding your position.
In all cases be sure to thank your legislator and then follow up your letter or e-mail with a quick note after the bill has been voted on. A letter of thanks will be remembered and appreciated.
Please exercise your rights by contacting your officials to let them know how you feel about issues important to state employees. You can be a strong advocate for you and your coworkers. Please contact OPEA if you have any questions about your advocacy rights.
