Photo caption: Iowa legislators Rep. Dean Fisher, Sen. Annette Sweeney, Rep. Derek Wulf, and former state representative Eric Giddens attend a legislative coffee sponsored by Tama County Farm Bureau in March. Credit: Ruby F. McAllister/Times-Republican

Friend –

The assaults on democracy are coming fast and furious, and it can seem overwhelming. But there's something very concrete and extremely effective that you can do: Build a relationship with your local state senator and state representative.

Even if – and maybe especially if – you and your legislators don't see eye to eye on many of the issues, they need to hear from you and know who you are. It helps when you email or call, asking for a specific action on a specific issue, but one of the most meaningful ways to effect change is to get to know them and for them to get to know you. Here's how:

• Attend an event one of your legislators is sponsoring and introduce yourself. Email and ask what events they have coming up that you might attend. Or check out these links to upcoming events.
• You can always visit your legislator at the Iowa Capitol. Or outside of the January through April Iowa legislative session, ask to meet with your state senator and state representative locally, or invite them for coffee with a group of like-minded friends. Click here to find your legislator's contact information.
• Consider getting involved with the ACLU of Iowa Capitol Corps, which connects constituents who are concerned about civil liberties with their reps in a meaningful way. Click here to find out more.

Or check out our tips for communicating with your legislator, including on social media.

You might not change your legislator's mind, but you may make them less likely to vote on problematic bills or more willing to support good ones.

Thanks for all you do,

Becca Eastwood
Advocacy Campaign Manager, ACLU of Iowa