Communicating with legislators is an important role for Extension staff. Follow best practices to ensure success when meeting with legislators, which may include inviting legislators to university events and site visits, receiving an invitation from a legislator or agency to meet, attending a public event, requesting information, or providing formal testimony.

Prior to a meeting, Extension staff should notify:

1. Carl Baker, Illinois Extension Assistant Director of Government Relations
2. Extension Leadership:
   1. Extension County Director (when participating staff is in a county office)
   2. Assistant Director for Regions (when participating staff is regional)
   3. Program Leader (when participating staff is state-level or specialist)
3. University of Illinois' Council on Governmental and External Relations

Carl Baker and Extension leadership stand ready to assist with:

• Legislator/stakeholder communication planning
• Key messages
• Events, social media, and other tactics
• Data tables on Extension impacts, units, and legislators
• Participation/assistance/attendance at your meeting/event.

Find additional guidelines and suggestions in this recorded webinar from December 2020 or download the presentation slides.