Legislative Advocacy Training Held In Townsend
Author: mt43news staff reporter
Legislative Advocacy Training Held in Townsend
MT43 News Staff Reporter
If you are interested in what bills the 2025 legislature is presenting and passing, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the legislature’s new website.
Montana Farmers’ Union Membership Director Rachel Prevost walked through the new website with several interested members of Broadwater County including farmers, ranchers, newspaper editors and retired people. The one-hour session last week took place at the 4-H Building at the Fairgrounds. It was sponsored by Montana Farmers’ Union. MFU Director Samantha Ferrat introduced Prevost.
Prevost began with what to expect during the upcoming session and how to get the most from the Legislative website. She also encouraged participants to play an active role in getting bills before the sessions and to help get them passed. That means testifying before committees. Her handouts included tips on how to be successful in a lobbying effort for a particular bill. She suggested sharing your personal stories about why the issue matters to you. In-person advocacy especially includes being polite and respectful to build a relationship with committee members.
Prevost presented a “roadmap” which gave pointers on how to be an effective advocate for your interests. She suggested sending a note to your legislator before the session begins letting them know which issues you are following. They will be familiar with your name. Then read the weekly updates on the website or closely follow emails from organizations who champion the issue of your interest.
Most importantly, she said, is to show up at the hearings to testify. “Constituent testimony carries a lot of impact in the Capitol,” she pointed out.
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Rachael Prevost and Samantha Ferrat host a legislative advocacy training session at the Fairgrounds.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
