Because most Farm Bureaus members are busy on their farms and ranches each day, they do not have time to visit with legislators about every agriculture or rural issue the Legislature considers. Members instead rely on Farm Bureau leaders and staff to carry out their message for them. But sometimes, state representatives and senators need to hear directly from farmers and ranchers.
Through OKFB’s legislative action alerts, members have the ability to quickly and easily advocate for agriculture and rural Oklahoma right from their farm or ranch. But what should members do when they receive an action alert text message?
Below, OKFB has assembled a few tips for calling state legislators after receiving an action alert.
Use the action alert system to connect with your legislators
When Farm Bureau needs you to contact your state legislators, you will receive a text message that contains a link. Click on the link, which will provide you with the information you need to share with your legislator. The link will also connect you by phone with the offices of your state legislators.
Introduce yourself
Once you reach the offices of your state legislators, make sure to introduce yourself with your name. Feel free to include that you are a Farm Bureau member.
Share where you live
State legislators want to know how they can best support their constituents, so make sure to let them know where you live so they understand you are a constituent.
Remember the bill number
Legislators review hundreds of bills every day and may not be familiar with the specific bill you are calling about. Tell state legislators the bill number and explain why you are supportive of or concerned about the bill.
Explain how the bill will impact you
As you ask legislators to vote a certain way, make sure you also provide a reason. Share how the specific bill will affect you on your farm and ranch. The job of state legislators is to represent your best interests at the state Capitol, so it’s important for them to know how the bill will impact their constituents.
Leave a message
If your legislators are not available when you call, make sure to leave a message with their legislative assistant. Provide a call back number in case they are interested in visiting with you for more information.
Encourage friends to participate, too
The more calls a legislator receives on a bill, the better. Share the action alert with your friends and neighbors by text message or even on social media.
Sign up for legislative action alerts on the OKFB website or send “OKFB77” in a text message to the number 52886. Farm Bureau members who have signed up will receive a text message when state legislators need to hear from them. Message and data rates may apply.
For more information on OKFB’s legislative action alerts, please contact OKFB communications staff at (405) 523-2300.
