Based on experience in the government affairs office of a state university system following elections I advise the following: writing individual letters to newly elected legislators, congratulate them, introduce ourselves as dog, cat owners/breeders etc., explain our interests and concern and welcome them aboard. This could be done in a couple of different ways and at different times. It would seem obvious to write to those who upseated legislators with a strong record of support for animal RIGHTS. Write to your own local, district legislators. As the committee assignments are announced, then contact those are assigned accordingly especially (in Maine) pertaining to the Ag Committee.
Additionally a congratulatory letter to incumbents who won their campaign is important, also on an individual basis. This will serve to continue to solidify the good relationships that are already established.
This will be specific in many cases to the various new composition of committees etc. most often involved with our interests.
Official letters of congratulation, re-introductions etc. from organized non-profits, clubs or associations (dog, cat, equine, etc.) 'we' are aligned with also needs to send an official letter out, on letterhead/stationary etc. A properly written business letter. Go to your boards and your officers and request an official letter be sent if you belong to such organizations.
I would also like to discourage anyone from writing generic form letters. Our elected officials deserve our respect, honesty, and candid approach. In this political climate which includes strong and powerful pressure from influential animal rights groups it is important to explain fact based fears and our concerns.
This is our moment in time friends, a moment to sieze and to use wisely laying a foundation early and quickly. What I am suggesting here is nothing new and is common practice all across the country in various institutions and organizations. We have not passed this way before and we may never pass this way again. The political climate is changing drastically and while we may not all agree with the outcome for various reasons - we have the future of our animals and our right to care for and own them at stake, along with many other concerns. If this is the platform you or I have been called to be involved with, then let us do it well and with intelligence. SEIZE this moment. And seize it often.
In my own state of Maine, I find that referring to the list of endorsements found on the Sportsmen and Animal Owners Voting Alliance http://saova.org/ has been invaluable. There is similar information there regarding all the other states as well. I work most closely with SAOVA as their Maine representative however have positive relationships with other key groups across the state and the country.
Additionally John and I plan to move ahead in a more official capacity regarding our own grassroots movement "Maine Hunting & Sporting Dogs Owners". Maine continues to establish a strong interstate network of communication regarding legislative issues of concern to animal owners, breeders, hunters etc. There is room for everyone to be a part of this. Maine also has reached out and touched other groups all across the country. In as much momentum we have gained in recent years, it is important for us to double our efforts. We're all well positioned and we are certainly much more aware of what is at stake now more than ever before. Having positive, credible, and professional relationships begins with these small steps today. Thank you and God bless you!
Sincerely,
John and Ann Short
Maine Sporting and Hunting Dog Owners
http://mainehdo.blogspot.com/
