The Hoosier Environmental Council helps people become successful advocates for environmental policy in Indiana. We also work with allies and supporters to promote positive environmental legislation, and to prevent potential rollbacks in environmental protections at the Indiana General Assembly. Use our Legislative Advocacy Guide to learn how you can make a difference!
How does the Legislative Session Work?
Check out our training on how to make an impact in the Legislative Session for an explanation of Indiana’s legislative process.
Tips to Raise your Advocacy to the Next Level
Go Local!
Legislators are most responsive to their own constituents, so they want to hear your opinions as one of their constituents. Find your state legislators.
- Maintain contact throughout the year, not just during the Session.
- Meet with them when they’re home in their district. A face-to-face meeting can be very effective. For instance, you can invite them for coffee, for a hike in a local park or natural area, or find them at a community event.
- Stay in touch during the Legislative Session. Attend meet your legislator events that occur during the Session. These events are a great time to ask questions, to encourage support or opposition for particular bills, and to hear your legislators’ views in a public forum.
- Write to your legislators and newspaper editors. Organize letter-writing parties with friends and neighbors. When writing letters-to-the-editor, be sure to stick to your publication’s guidelines. Looking for something to write on? Email us!
Do your Homework!
Prepare ahead of meeting with your legislators. Don’t feel like you have to be an expert, but make sure you can support your position. Check out our Bill Watch 2023 for current legislation.
- Seek to understand your legislators and the community interests that may influence them (like businesses, local government officials, or civic groups). For example, follow them on social media to learn about upcoming events they’re attending and to gain further insights into their views and beliefs.
- Don’t assume that your legislator supports or opposes your views based on political labels or party affiliation.
- Personalize your communications. Personal experiences are the best way to express your views to your legislators. Also back up your experience with additional facts and statistics – the more locally relevant, the better!