Code of Conduct

Look the part of an advocate. You are entering a professional zone to speak with professional leaders; you must look your part. Dress as if you, yourself were a legislator..

Respect time - be a little bit early but never late. If you are in a group, give everyone a chance to talk. Remember, you only have a little time to make your point.

Be fair and respectful toward public officials.

Avoid cynicism.

Be understanding - put yourself in the public official’s place.

Be friendly.

Be reasonable - recognize that there are reasonable differences of opinions.

Be thoughtful - praise the right things public officials do.

Be constructive - you don’t like to be scolded, pestered or preached to and neither do they.

Be realistic and persistent - remember that controversial legislation and regulation usually result in a compromise not totally satisfactory to any one party.

Be a good opponent - fight issues, not people or personalities.

Be informed - do your homework. The mere fact that you want a public official to adopt your position won’t be enough. You must show him/her why your position is the correct one and how many others agree with you.

Be generous - remember that in success everyone can claim credit. Thank policy makers for their positive acts at least as often as you ask why they went wrong.

Be visionary - especially when it comes to the political process, there is seldom an absolute defeat. A loss with one member may lead to finding a better champion someplace else.

Adapted from A Guide for the Powerless, by Samuel Halperin, Institute for Educational Leadership, 1981.