Talk to senator

1. What can I do to help right now?

The answer is to talk to your senator!
Face-to-face conversation is a powerful tool, as the example of the recent petition meeting shows. In the lead up to the Senate considering an amendment, it is important to meet with your Senators as many as possible to influence their decision.
There are 81 Senators, meet with anyone, especially those from your region.

Here is a link to the list of Senators.

2. Meeting with a Senator – sounds scary, what is it?

This is a short formal meeting to discuss a public issue of public importance (15-30 minutes).
Purpose: to talk about the issue and give the senator materials with arguments.
How to sign up: find the nearest senator and sign up through their assistant (contacts on each senator’s website).
How to prepare: clearly state the problem, bring materials (facts, statistics).
Materials: print out documents that support your position.

3. I’m not sure of my Czech, and it sounds complicated in general

Then write an e-mail to your senator. It will take less time, but it will also help convey our common arguments. Use the materials you have prepared.

4. What exactly to say to a senator?

To help you, we have prepared two documents:


The short one – with the main theses and arguments on the amendment. You should read it carefully, print it out and go to the meeting. It is convenient to build a dialog and quickly convey to the senator the main problems of the amendment.


A long one – with more detailed analysis and statistics. It can be sent additionally by e-mail to the senator after the meeting. Read it too, specific numbers can strengthen your arguments during the conversation.

5. What should you expect from the meeting?

The meeting usually lasts about 15-30 minutes
Format:
– You tell us about yourself and the purpose of the meeting.
– Brief statement of the problem. Make sure your arguments are logical, specific, and supported by facts. You can even rehearse your speech
– Be prepared to explain details and provide answers to possible objections.
– It is important to be polite, respectful and ready to engage in constructive dialog, even if you disagree.

6. How can a senator formally help?

A senator may take a position on your issue or comment on it, but will not necessarily support you right away.
If a Senator supports you, he/she may put your issue on the Senate agenda, voice it in discussions, or suggest that it be considered by the relevant committees.

7. What should I do after the meeting?

Say thanks: Write a thank you letter or email after the meeting.
Additional materials: Include a second file with detailed analysis and statistics.

8. Important

Be prepared to clearly and reasonably present your position, and also take into account that the senator may be neutral or even critical of your initiative.

Be sure to emphasize that the amendment is not about renouncing citizenship, but about freezing, de facto a complete ban on citizenship applications for Russians.
It is also important to convey that your arguments against the amendment to the law, but, unfortunately, in the Senate will get all Lex Ukrajina law.


Remember, you are going to the meeting with the Senator on your own behalf to express your personal position. We have provided materials to help you prepare, but the content and tone of your remarks at the meeting are solely your responsibility.

Please use the documents provided wisely and in a respectful and constructive dialog!