Here's a brief look at what you can do to advocate at different points during the legislative process.

Before a bill is introduced:

• Research the issues involved.
• Research your legislators and their positions.
• Connect with local special interest groups that analyze policy to learn about the bills they are supporting or opposing.
• Encourage your legislators to introduce bills on issues that you care about.
• Tell others why legislators need to act by sharing information in person, via social media and on the Internet.

When a bill is in committee:

• Contact committee members to ask them to support, reject, or amend the bill. Recruit your friends to contact them as well.
• Attend public hearings.
• Testify at the public hearing for or against the bill, particularly if you have a personal story related to the issue.

When a bill is on the floor:

• Contact your legislator to support, reject, or amend the bill.
• Ask your friends to do the same.
• Tell people why you think the bill should or should not pass by posting on social media or writing a letter to the editor in your local newspaper.

When a bill is on the governor's desk:

• Contact the Governor's office to encourage signing or vetoing.
• Identify other people who may have special influence with the Governor, and contact them.