advocacy tools

Getting Involved

Vist MNCAN to read current Action Alerts and to contact your elected officials.

By casting informed votes, monitoring legislative action and communicating with your elected officials, you can fulfill your call to faithful citizenship. For a printable version of the 2009 Faithful Citizen’s Public Policy Guide and Legislative Directory, click here.

1. Voter Registration

Remember, you can’t vote unless you register. The easiest way to register is by filling out a voter registration card and mailing it to or dropping it off at your city clerk, county auditor or the secretary of state’s office.

To find your polling place and get your voting questions answered:
1. Use the Secretary of State’s online polling place finder at http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us
2. Contact your County Auditor’s Office
3. Call the Minnesota Secretary of State at: (651) 296-2803, or Toll Free: 1-877-600-VOTE (8683)

2. The Citizen Lobbyist: An Effective Voice

You have the power to affect the decisions your elected officials make. In fact, many legislators agree that the most important information they receive comes from you, the constituent. By communicating effectively with legislators, you can help craft public policy that promotes the common good.

3. Be Prepared

The first key to successful lobbying is information. To learn how a bill becomes a law in Minnesota, click on the link in the white box to the right. The Minnesota Legislature offers a variety of helpful and informative resources. Visit the Minnesota Legislature website at www.leg.mn, or call House or Senate information, to:

  • find out contact information for your State Representative and Senator;
  • learn about the legislative process; and
  • keep current about proposals being debated.

House Public Information (651) 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550

Senate Information (651) 296-0504 or 1-888-234-1112

4. Stay Connected

Let your elected officials know how you and your neighbors feel about the issues. If you can’t visit your legislators in person, you can write, call or email them. Above all, know your issue well enough to explain it clearly. Personalize the issue by giving examples of how an issue has, or will affect you or your community. Make sure that you let your legislators know when you support their efforts, too. Send a thank you note showing your appreciation.

5. Persevere

Follow-up is crucial. Sometimes you won’t get an immediate commitment from your legislator. Additional correspondence or information may help determine a legislator’s final position. Other ways to make your position known include constituent letter writing campaigns and “Lobby Day” rallies. By organizing mass communication efforts through your diocese, parish or school, you can make an even greater impact.

6. Join MNCAN

In an effort to bring a strong, unified, Catholic voice to the Capitol, the MCC developed the Minnesota Catholic Advocacy Network (MNCAN). This simple-to-use, web-based tool helps Catholics understand how Catholic social teaching directly applies to specific legislative issues. MNCAN also makes it easy for users to send electronic messages to elected officials in support of, or in opposition to, issues of concern to the Church.

Click here to go to the MNCAN homepage!