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Members of the University of Maine community gathered in the FFA Room of the Memorial Union on Tuesday to hear District 19 State Representative Emily Cain, D-Orono, explain how to get more involved in public policy and the lawmaking process.
The lecture was part of the UMaine Beautiful Project, an effort undertaken by the Student Women’s Association to raise awareness for women who make a difference in their communities.
Cain, both a Democrat and the first female minority leader in Maine’s House of Representatives, emphasized how important it is to engage lawmakers.
“From a legislator’s perspective, it’s all about how we can get more involved in the communities we serve and what we can do to help,” she said. “And this is a two-way street. It’s a two-sided coin — we need to hear from our constituents. So, really, come talk to me.”
Cain said the best way to influence a lawmaker is to establish a personal connection.
Rather than send a bulk email to a legislator, she said an email consisting of three talking points that specifically addresses an issue of concern is more likely to get a lawmaker’s attention.
However, Cain said there are better ways than email to communicate with those in Augusta. She suggested using local newspapers, calling a legislator’s home or approaching lawmakers in person.
Things like letters to the editor, op-ed columns and personal phone calls are often taken more seriously than the hundreds of emails legislators receive every month, according to Cain.
When asked if calling a legislator’s home was acceptable, Cain said, “Absolutely. This is why a legislator lists the number for contact.”
She also said any communication should be respectable and concise.
In all, Cain said the goal of communicating with legislators is to hold them accountable to the communities they serve. She said it is also important to follow up on an inquiry or a request in order to make sure lawmakers are listening and doing their jobs.
“When I get five phone calls, I consider it a landslide,” Cain said. “And when I really talk with someone on an issue, I never forget. When you reach out, you never know what’s going to happen.”
