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Our Goal: To put a positive face on home- schooling and express thanks to our legislators for serving.
It is important to develop open, personal communication with your government representatives, at both the state and federal levels. It does make a difference. They know that if you are taking the time to contact them, you will take the time to vote—for or against them depending on their record–and encourage others to do the same.
Meeting Your Legislator
You have two state legislators in Connecticut: a State House Representative and a State Senator.
You are welcome to meet with either or both. CT House Representatives cover a smaller area and will be more familiar with local politics.
1. Find your legislator here: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CGAFindLeg.asp.
Click on their name to go to their website for a phone number and other information.
2. Make an appointment: Request to speak to the legislator’s aide and request a brief meeting
to introduce yourself to your legislator- approximately 15 minutes. You might also check and
see if they are planning to have a “Meet and Greet” in your district, or if they would be willing to
meet locally with you.
3. Meet with your legislator: If meeting to discuss a particular bill, meet with your legislator by
yourself, if possible. This is not the time to introduce the whole family (unless it is for Capitol
Day, in which case children would be appropriate). See below for Conversation Starters and
Tips on Talking.
Conversation Starters
Find out where they stand on the following topics:
School choice
Parental rights regarding medical decisions
Parental rights in general
You do not have to identify yourself as a homeschooler or bring up the topic of homeschooling unless you want to, or they ask.
Tips on Talking
• Graciousness: We are friendly, not hostile. The majority of homeschoolers have chosen
to homeschool because we want the best for our children.
• Investment: Remember that trust and relationships take time. Don’t expect to “convince”
during the first meeting. If this is your first meeting, view it as your introduction, your first
impression. Remember to be gracious!
• Listening (and talking):
- Be brief - If you are asked questions about homeschooling, keep your answers
brief and wait for more questions.
- Listen to what may be the underlying concern behind a question. Don’t assume
you’ve guessed correctly- ask! “It sounds like you’re concerned about____? Is that
correct?” If not, you can answer the real concern.
- Be Honest - If you don’t know the answer, let them know you’ve heard the question
and ask if you can get back to them with more information. (Ex: “I haven’t thought of
-or- I’m not familiar with the issue you’ve raised. I’d like to do some research and get
back to you on that.”) Then follow up!
- Express appreciation - Our legislators put in long hours and are rarely thanked!
If they have taken the time to talk with you, or meet with you privately, please remember
to thank them for that, regardless of whether or not you agree with their positions. A
handwritten note is also appreciated because it has become a rarity.
• Be Prayerful: Most importantly, seek God’s guidance and help, keeping in mind that,
“The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16