To communicate effectively with legislators, it is important to be knowledgeable about the staff that supports them, as your advocacy efforts will most likely go through staff to reach the legislator.

Louisiana legislators have one legislative aide/assistant each. If a legislator chairs a committee, there may also be an aide/assistant for that committee. Legislative aides/assistants support legislators by performing tasks such as scheduling, monitoring legislation, and tracking issues specific to the legislator’s district. Most importantly, legislative aides/assistants act as liaisons between legislators and constituents, other policymakers, the media and other stakeholders. When contacting your legislator’s office, in most cases, you will not be able to speak directly with your legislator. Instead you will speak with the legislative aide/assistant. Treat legislative aides/assistants with the same professional courtesy you would the legislator. They are the gatekeepers and can control your access to your legislator.

Developing relationships with legislative aides/assistants is a very critical step in effective advocacy. See How To Build Key Relationships for more information.