Advocacy is not hard. Still, it is estimated that only 10 percent of all Americans will write to their congressperson or state legislator in their lifetime. But your representative knows that if you feel strongly enough to contact him or her about an issue, there are many others who feel as you do. So when you take the time to contact your legislators, you're raising your voice not just for yourself but also for many others!

There are three basic advocacy tools: letter writing, calling, and visiting. Regardless of which method you use, there are some basic points to remember when communicating with policymakers. First, your credibility is vital so be truthful and fair. Second, always be courteous. This goes without saying, of course, but some of us do get a little hot under the collar when talking about issues we feel strongly about. Keep in mind that your message will be better received if you can make your points firmly but politely. It pays to remember that your opponent today maybe an ally on another issue tomorrow so you won’t gain anything by burning bridges.

A personal letter from a constituent is a very powerful advocacy tool. Here are some tips to help you get your message across:

Be Brief. Remember that policymakers often have a lot to read. Therefore, try to get your entire message on one page. If writing longhand, take care to write legibly.

Be focused. Address only one issue per letter. In a short first paragraph, state the issue and your position and use the rest of the letter to support it. If the subject of your letter is a bill, cite it by name or number if that information is available.

Be personal. Try to help your representative understand your position by giving him the personal side of the issue; tell your story.

Be factual. Write your policymaker from a strong knowledge base. Where necessary, use key facts to support your position.

Be original. Letters are more effective when they are original. But if you don't have time to start from scratch, use sample letters which are often prepared by advocacy organizations. Consider personalizing the letter by adding information about how the issue affects you, your family or community.

Be persistent. Legislators need to be able to tell their colleagues that they have been inundated with calls and letters supporting a particular position.

Be grateful. Thank your legislators if they have a good record of support. Our friends need to know that their support is appreciated.

Be confident. Your voice counts.

Email is a fast and easy way to contact your representatives. However, you need to consider a few things if you’re going to use email. First, recognize that it’s easy for your message to get "lost" in email clutter. After all, how many times do you just quickly glance at your own email? Be cautious about the informal style most of us use when writing email messages; such a style is not well suited to communicating with legislators. Generally, a mailed (or faxed) letter makes a better impression and is most likely to get the attention of legislators and their staffers. However, it's more important to get your message out than to wait until you have the time to compose a letter -- especially if you know that time will never come! When sending an email, keep in mind the letter writing tips noted above. If time is short, you may want to consider calling your legislator (see below).

They're such a simple concept. A thank you note is an expression of appreciation for a thoughtful act, expression, or gift. But the potential formality of this thought can be intimidating. Many people think that the wording has to be perfect, and this causes so much anxiety that the notes are never sent. Before all the other rules, just remember that an imperfect note that comes with heartfelt sentiment is better than a perfect note that was never written.

In order to relieve some of the anxiety on this subject, here is a simple guide to the do's and don'ts of thank you notes. But remember, although I'm providing a formula, you'll need to personalize it to make it meaningful to the recipient.

Send your thank you notes as quickly as possible.

Notes may be sent on informal stationery.

Always make specific reference to the time the legislator took to meet with you. "Thank you so much for the meeting with me on [Date and Time.]

• Don't delay in sending most notes. Generally notes should be sent within a week

I cannot stress enough the importance of personalizing thank you notes.

Even though most thank you notes can be sent on informal stationery, that doesn't mean it's okay to use a piece of paper torn from your shopping list pad. Find note cards that reflect your personality. They don't need to cost a lot of money. In fact, if you shop diligently, you can find inexpensive, attractive cards in the dollar stores.

1. Plan your visit carefully. Follow the guidelines and information provide above.

2. Be clear about what you want to achieve. The purpose of the message to your legislator is that you want him or her to work to change the unfair, forced, involuntary annexation laws

3. Determine in advance, which legislative member or staff person you are going to meet with to achieve this purpose (see the legislative list for phone numbers)

4. Make an appointment (see the legislative list for phone numbers)

• When attempting to meet with a legislator call his staff (this is usually an

Appointment Secretary or Scheduler) at least one week in advance. (Click Here For the List of Legislators)

• Explain the purpose and that you represent yourself, or your group and the views of other citizens in your area and from around the State of North Carolina.

• When it is time to meet with a legislator, be on time but be prepared to wait.

• It is not unusual for the elected official to be late or to have your meeting interrupted.

• Be flexible—you may have to finish a meeting by talking to a staff person.

• 15 minutes should be considered your maximum amount of time.

• You must be able to get your points across early in your meeting.

• Keep the meeting focused

• Bring information and materials supporting your position to the meeting with you. (Click Here for Information to give to your legislator)

• Have a fact sheet or position statement prepared that you can leave with the legislator. (This is included in the Information your give to your legislator)

8. Be political by speaking for the majority of citizens who oppose unfair, forced, involuntary annexation.

• Wherever possible, show the connection between what you are requesting and the interests of the legislator’s constituency. Point out Involuntary Annexation is unfair because it does not allow a property owner a vote or self determination. Also Point out that changes in the forced, unfair Involuntary Annexation is supported by over 85 percent of the citizens of North Carolina that when they come to understand the issue.

• If you can, circulate a petition among your area showing that other citizens in your legislator’s district feel the same way you do. (Click Here for a Printable Petition You can circulate)

9. Try not be awed or intimidated.

• Remember—They are elected to represent you and you have something they want also—your votes!

10. Be responsive

• Be prepared to answer questions or provide additional information or make reference to the www.StopNCAnnexation.com web site for further information.

• Let the legislator know how you will follow up the meeting—letter, phone call, additional meeting, etc.

11. State clearly what you would like the legislator to do! - for example, "Please support legislation that changes the unfair, forced Involuntary Annexation Laws of the State of North Carolina," or "Please write legislation that changes the unfair, forced Involuntary Annexation Laws of the State of North Carolina. Don't threaten the legislator with consequences if he or she doesn't agree with your position (for example, "If you don't vote for this bill, I won't vote for you"). You can say "I am counting on you to support the majority of citizens on this issue"

• Send a thank-you letter that outlines the different points raised during the meeting and send along any additional information and materials requested.