Connecting With Your MLA

1.

Send an introductory email to your local MLA

• Find the MLA in your area.

• Add your personal information to the introductory email

• Email the letter to your MLA, either in the body of your email or as an attachment.

• Make sure to copy the constituency assistant and our Society -  

• After 2 weeks, if you haven’t heard from your MLA's office, phone, remind them of your letter and request an appointment.

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Download email template

2.

Schedule a call with your MLA

• The purpose of this call is to introduce yourself as the resource person with ME and to begin the relationship. 

• This conversation will most likely take place via phone or videoconference and confirm the meeting the day before.

• Plan for a 10-15 minute conversation.

3.

Utilize the script for your meeting

• The scripted template will help you prepare for the conversation. Identify the key points you want to make and choose one or two stories to begin to tell your story

• Anecdotes can make ME come alive for someone listening to you.  

• You don’t want to tell your whole story in the first call. With each contact you have with your MLA, you will tell more of your story.

• Think of how best to make your story compelling to the listener. Are there words that fully describe your experience?  Words that paint a picture or convey emotion will help your audience to identify with your experience.  

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Download script template

4.

Take notes during the meeting

• Note any promises, significant comments or questions from your MLA

• If you can’t answer, run the questions by the Society and get back to your MLA as soon as possible.

• If you did answer, what did you say? Consistent messaging is important for the initiative.

• Your MLA may spontaneously offer to help. Say yes to a letter to Health Minister Adrian Dix, or Premier John Horgan. Ask for a copy to be sent to you and to the Society.

• Say "not yet" if they offer to arrange a meeting for you. Appreciate the support to facilitate  a meeting when the time comes. It makes sense to wait until the needs assessment is released.

• If they come up with some other way to help, say "That sounds like a great idea.  I don't know if our team has considered that option. Can I discuss it with the team and get back to you?"

5.

Follow up post meeting

• Complete the Society's simple post-meeting survey - within one week of the meeting.

• Thank your MLA with a personal note or email within a week. Follow up with any information requested during your meeting.

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Complete post meeting survey

6.

Join our Google group

You will be invited to join the My MLA & ME Google Group. This is where you can go to ask questions, have discussions, debrief and find materials for the campaign. Let us know if you haven’t received an invite by emailing Sue Khazaie, suekhaz@telus.net.