b'The Basics of Advocacy Identify the cause specically. Learn all you can about the topic and any rules or laws pertaining to it. Informationcan be obtained from the resources below, at your local library or law library, throughbooks, newspapers, magazines, the Internet, town meetings, support group meetings,school board meetings, and political events. Dont be afraid to ask questions! You must understand the cause and all things closelyrelated to it in order to be an eective advocate. Take notes, if needed, so that you willremember the things you learn. Find out who or what organization makes decisions regarding the cause or issue. Thiscould be the county school system, elected ocials, congressional leaders, governmentocials, your condominium association, the Department of Housing, the local policedepartment, the department of motor vehicles, etc. Contact the person or organization by phone, email, or postal mail. Be as polite and concise as possible. Anger and frustration can be useful tools inadvocacybut only if you use them to your advantage. Losing your temper or beingdiscourteous will not be benecial. Be sure to include all of your contact information so that you can be reached easily. If the person suggests you contact another person or organization, do so. Follow up and be persistent. Dont burn any bridges. If you develop a cordial relationshipwith a person who proves helpful, keep in touch. Be sure to thank them in a timelymanner and add them to your list of resources. Being a successful advocate takes practice. The more experience you gain, the moreeective you will be. Mistakes, while embarrassing, can also be our best teachers. Experience takes time so be patient. Even if you learn one new fact each day aboutthe cause you for which you wish to advocate, you will be moving in the right direction.To contact your U.S. representative, visit this site to search for them:www.house.gov/htbin/ndrepTo contact your U.S. senators, visit this site to search for them:www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfmTo contact the White House, visit:www.whitehouse.gov/contact/18'