In March at the NRPA National Legislative Forum, NRPA CEO Barbara Tulipane and I were discussing how she often receives calls from professionals across the country about how to engage with their legislators. During a 40-plus years tenure in the field, I have recognized how beneficial, powerful, and valuable the relationship with legislators is in accomplishing our mission and vision. There are simple things you can do to be engaged with your legislators to position your agency and yourself as a leader for the delivery of services to constituents in your community.

Getting Started
•    Do make a commitment and the effort to build a relationship with your legislators on a local, state, and federal level.
•    Don’t be reluctant to approach your legislators.
•    Legislators are people just like you, and may even be a neighbor.
•    Show them your dedication and passion for the issue, but don’t be overbearing.
•    It’s natural to be a little nervous around public officials because of their visibility and the media portraying them as larger than life.  In fact, they know just as much or little as you do about life’s issues.

Get to Know Your Legislator
•    Connect with your legislator with both your mind and heart. Show them you not only care about what you are doing, but that you are also knowledgeable about the issue or topic you are discussing with them. Do your research, do your homework, and know your topic before meeting with them. Relate it to individuals, families, the economy, and the environment in your community. Remember the benefits!
•    Being honest and sincere builds credibility and authenticity. Your time with legislators is often limited. They don’t have the time to read lengthy reports. You need to provide concise, factual information that is easy to read and understand.  Never inflate or exaggerate your information. Typically your interaction may only last a few minutes and they rely on you as the expert to provide them with honest and accurate information.
•    Everyone has likes and dislikes. Find out what makes them tick. When in their office, glance at the room and look at the pictures and mementoes. They provide you with a snapshot of their personality and interests. You may find something that you have a common interest in and can use that as an ice breaker to start the conversation.
•    Get to know the staff, too.  The legislator is truly the figurehead supported by staff with a great deal of knowledge and connections. Knowing the staff is just as important and valuable as the legislator.  They are a great resource. Often you can reach out to them for assistance and they are glad to help.  Don’t forget to recognize them for their efforts.

Consider Them an Ally
•    You both have a mutual interest in improving the quality of life in your community. Both of you are in public service because you care about people and improving life’s conditions. Some legislators are ombudsmen, while others are very political. Recognize where your legislator is on that spectrum. You need to work with them regardless of their orientation and position. You may not agree with the politics; respect it and learn to work around it.  
•    Greater results are achieved when people are united for a common purpose. A successful relationship will be built upon positive interactions and results. Report back successful outcomes and results of programs on which you interacted with legislators. Let them know the impact, positive and negative, that legislation has had on your agency. 

Facilitating Communication…Building the Bridge
•    Send them your seasonal brochure. There is a wealth of information about your park and recreation system in that publication. Encourage your legislator to place it in the lobby of their office so visitors have access to it.  
•    Invite them to major special events. The bigger the crowd, the greater the chance that an invited legislator will attend. This is not only a way to get them involved in your event, but it is a way to facilitate the public having access to your legislators.
•    Send them a note of appreciation and thanks. This is a great way to get someone’s attention. An unexpected note expressing appreciation for their assistance and cooperation builds the relationship.
•    Only try to directly contact them when you have a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. Don’t make your problem their problem. You may even have their cell phone. Only contact them when you absolutely need them, otherwise stay away.  
•    Don’t always ask for something. It’s easy to fall into this trap. Just because you have developed a relationship with them doesn’t mean they are your go-to person to solve your problems. Facilitate productive discussions around pressing and relevant issues only.
•    Know the rules of engagement, the spoken and unspoken. You get this from experience over the years and knowing your legislator. Remember that common courtesy and politeness goes a long way.
•    Be street smart too; keep your ear to the ground on issues. Know when to speak up and when not to. If you cannot get their attention on an issue, have a constituent of the legislator make contact.  Too often when professionals contact legislators, they know that we are trying to position a particular issue.  Voting constituents get a legislator's attention.  There is nothing wrong with networking and creating ties with influential people who can add value to what you are doing.  
•    Remember that the relationship bridge you built is a two-way street!  Politicians may become comfortable going to you for help, information, or assistance.  Don't make a commitment or promise you can't fulfill.  Be honest and upfront as to what you can and cannot commit to.
•    If appropriate, attend their fundraisers and events. It’s okay to write a check and participate in political events as a private citizen.  In some states, your rights or limitations are specifically spelled out in election law. However, remember the other candidates may be watching who is attending the opposition’s events.  Be aware that you may face overt or covert retaliation. So know what to attend and what not to attend, based on individual situations. Weigh the circumstances; tread carefully.

Fruits of Your Labor
•    Your sphere of influence and network have expanded.  As you participate in the political arena, you will get to know people who can help you get things done. Whether you are fundraising, securing a permit, or navigating through the government bureaucracy, you increase your effectiveness and will be more efficient by knowing the right person in the right place to go to for help.
•    Develop yourself as the go-to person in your area for parks and recreation. No one knows your job and what the community needs and wants when it comes to parks and recreation better than you. As your relationship with legislators’ strengthens, you will find they come to you for information related to actions or bills they are considering so they can ascertain your knowledge and perspective. You are now in a position to influence the creation of positive legislation!
•    As time passes, they will buy into and support your agency’s efforts and initiative—particularly if you are able to demonstrate the benefits, how needs were met, and that you get things done. The public wants value for their tax dollar investment in parks and recreation. They want the legislators to deliver too. Legislators love and need to talk about their successes and accomplishments. Parks and recreation make the perfect driver in the mix of public service and politics. Everyone wins when we can make the legislative process collaborative and deliver positive results to our constituents.
•    Successful collaborations will create more synergy, maybe even to the point where they will work as an advocate for your agency outside the political process. Some legislators have been known to actively participate in foundation work to raise money for friends groups.  Others have helped with capital development support through legislative initiatives ("pork").
In summary, reach out to your legislators. Your efforts and participation in the political process will enhance the position of your agency and make a difference.
Pick up the phone, make that call, and set up an appointment to visit your legislator today!

Greg Petry is Executive Director, Waukegan Park District, Waukegan, Illinois.