How Do You Get Involved With Fighting Legislation
Education is the key! Communication and Participation come into their own here two. Here are some steps to take:
- Pay attention to your local newspaper. All local ordinances are to be published twice before any action may be taken in most localities.
- Check out your local information sources/ bulletin boards found in your libraries, courthouses, and the media. Here is a website that might help . It provides listings for municipal codes: http://municipalcodes.lexisnexis.com/
- Know your local legislative process, know how to be put on a speaking agenda (if need arises), know your local officials. Bring in some donuts on occasions so your visits will be welcomed. Let yourself be known as that dog person - the one the town officials will contact because they want your input!!
- Know how to contact your STATE senators and representatives. Make yourself known to them. Many will have offices in your voting district - visit them, make yourself known!
- Find out what state and local government committees handle canine concerns. Offer to help out.
- Know how to contact your FEDERAL senators and representatives. Many will list their phone numbers or email addresses. Contact them when the need arises. Letters are said to be more visually effective. Imagine a stack of letters in opposition being presented to the legislature.
- Join your local dog club. GET INVOLVED with the club. Today, many clubs have a legislative liaison who will contact club members with pending legislation.
- COMMUNICATE with other groups- other dog clubs, shelters, veterinaries, training schools, service and therapy organizations, etc.
Listed below are some websites to check for the information on your representatives: