1. Prepare: Review the informational materials about the bill. Have in mind one clear point that you want to make to the legislator in behalf of the bill.

2. Where to Call: Call the legislator at his Capitol office phone number.

3. When to Call: Legislators are in Jefferson City normally from mid-afternoon Monday to mid-afternoon Thursday. Their secretaries are normally in the office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A good time to catch a legislator is in the hour before they go into session between 9 and 10, and the hour after lunch, from 1 to 2. You may also catch them in their office in the evenings, since they have evening committee hearings. Calling between 7 and 8 in the evening is also a good time.

4. Who to Speak to: Ask to talk to your legislator personally. If he or she is not available, don't hang up. Give your message to the secretary and ask the legislator to return your call. (Most often they may not be able to return the call but you have made your message more personal.)

5. What to Say: Identify the bill by number and subject matter. Give a brief, personal reason why you believe the bill should pass or fail.

6. Leave your name, address and phone number. Legislators are most responsive to voters living in their district. Your address tells them you're in their district.

7. Request a Report: Request that the legislator or his or her secretary call or write you back on the results of the legislative action. This says you are really interested and will remem­ber the legislator's action.

8. Be polite always!

9. Report any response. If you get the legislator's opinion, report back to the Missouri Catholic Conference (1-800-456-1679) or Email us at mocatholic@mocatholic.org.