You may have heard someone say, “All politics is local.” It’s true because legislators need election votes and, therefore, they must act on issues that are important to their constituents.

 

So, don’t be afraid to talk with your legislators about your mentoring program. The most important thing is to build a relationship now with your legislators and their key staff members by familiarizing them with your program, its impact on the community and the challenges you face. You will benefit, and your legislators will appreciate becoming more informed and having a trusted resource on mentoring.

 

Although the Capitol can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with the legislative process, school districts should keep in touch regularly with their lawmakers. This is more easily achieved if you communicate with your legislators during the interim in your shared home district and continue this process when your representatives go to Austin for a session.