6 Reasons Why Politicians
Won't Solve Your Issues
You are not clear on your Issue/Problem
The U.S. Senate uses 76 issue codes. What is your issue? Can you explain it in one sentence? Is it healthcare, defense, energy, immigration, banking or something else?
You don't have a strong Position.
What is your position on the issue? Are you for something or are you against it? Are you trying to get something done or are you trying to stop something from happening?
Take a position and stick to it.
You don't have all the facts.
Be honest. Give specific facts if you have them. Use newspaper sources, polls, think tanks, or any relevant independent source that shows you know what you are talking about.
It's also a good idea to include facts from both sides because it will make your case more credible.
Your arguments are weak and unconvincing.
List the arguments that support your position. You only need 3–5. These are usually short simple statements that explain why this is important to you. The word “because”is almost in every sentence.
You do not have a compelling empathetic story.
Most people overlook this but the better your personal story (how this issue, bill or law affects or harms you or someone you know), the more poignant and convincing your story will be. Your personal story is the most compelling part of your pitch.
You don't know what you want from your Representative.
This is pretty simple. The reason you are having the meeting in the first place is to ask the lawmaker for something, to either vote for or against a specific bill, to support your position, or to write a “Dear Colleague” letter to another member who can influence the vote.
