Tod Bowman.

Effective advocacy requires understanding the legislative process and employing strategic communication. Iowans can impact legislation by providing their perspective on a bill and explaining the reasoning for their position.

As a former Iowa State Senator from Maquoketa, I served in the Iowa Senate from 2011 to 2019 and saw countless examples of advocacy in action.

Understanding a legislator’s background can lead to more effectively tailored communication, increasing the likelihood of successful messaging. For example, my constituents knew I was a wrestling coach and enjoyed other sports, and we built rapport over those.

Personal meetings are the most effective way to build relationships with legislators. However, it’s important to schedule an appointment in advance rather than simply showing up at the Capitol – scheduling a meeting prior to a visit can ensure a legislator has time to meet and is prepared to discuss a specific legislative issue. An important note: Fridays can be opportune for meeting with legislators in their districts, as they often return home on Thursday afternoons. If traveling to the Capitol is difficult, consider inviting a legislator to meet at a cafe or coffee shop in your district that is convenient to your legislator.

Communicating directly with a legislator through personalized, handwritten letters can be a highly effective approach to sharing your perspective. A particularly memorable communication I received during my time as a senator was a unique and creative expression of support: A singing card with a short note encouraging support for a bill. This unexpected and heartfelt gesture from a constituent underscored the power of personal advocacy. Remember to follow up to thank your legislator for their support or to encourage them to reconsider their position.

In Iowa, effective communication with policymakers is crucial for a healthy democracy. Every citizen’s voice matters – it shapes the policies affecting our communities and ensures our concerns are heard.

Tod Bowman is a policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs based based out his home office in Maquoketa, Iowa. Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.