Advocacy
8 Practical Tips for Contacting Legislators
November 3, 2025
Make Your Voice Heard
Every day, state lawmakers make decisions that impact how independent insurance agencies operate and serve their clients. That’s why it’s so important for our industry to stay engaged and speak up. Whether you’re advocating for fair legislation, sharing how an issue affects your agency, or simply building relationships with elected officials—your voice can shape the future of Georgia’s insurance landscape. Not sure where to begin? Use the practical tips below to guide your outreach and make a meaningful impact.
Identify Your Lawmakers
Before reaching out, it’s essential to know who represents you.
Use the Georgia General Assembly’s "Find My Legislator" tool to look up your district and learn the names and contact information of your state House and Senate members. This is the first step to building relationships with the lawmakers who directly impact your business.
Use Proper Titles
Always show respect and professionalism.
Even if you know a legislator personally, address them by their formal title when speaking or writing:
-
"Representative Jones"
-
"Senator Harbin"
-
"Governor Kemp"
This establishes credibility and sets the tone for a productive conversation.
Be Direct and Clear
Legislators juggle busy schedules, so get straight to the point.
Use simple language, avoid industry jargon, and clearly state your position or request in one or two sentences. Then follow up with a concise explanation or background.
Know the Issues— Make it Personal
You don’t have to be an expert, but you should understand the basics of the issue and how it affects your business and community.
Tie your message to your personal or professional experience—for example, how lawsuit abuse drives up premiums or how a bill would impact your clients. Stay informed using our IIAG Legislative News or Big “I” Government Affairs resources.
Subscribe to IIAG Advocacy Updates >>
Get the Free Guide to Contacting Legislators
Want a version you can save, print or share? This downloadable guide recaps our 8 practical tips into a quick, easy-to-reference format.
Show Appreciation
Gratitude goes a long way.
Thank legislators for past support on key issues, or work they’ve done in the community, and follow up with a quick note of thanks after meetings or votes.
Engage Legislative Staff
Behind every elected official is a team of legislative aides who are often the first point of contact.
These staffers are influential in shaping lawmakers’ schedules, positions, and policy decisions. Building rapport with them helps strengthen your advocacy efforts.
Use Various Communication Channels
Email and phone calls are common—but don’t underestimate the power of social media or face-to-face interaction.
Attend local town halls or community forums when legislators are back in your district. These are great opportunities to make your voice heard outside of session.
Attend IIAG Capitol Day
Join us each February at the Georgia State Capitol for a powerful day of advocacy. You'll meet legislators, hear from state leaders, and learn about the bills that affect your agency and clients.
Capitol Day is your chance to step inside the Gold Dome and be part of the advocacy effort that’s shaping the future of our industry. When independent agents show up in force, legislators take notice—and real change follows.
Bonus: Bring a colleague or young agent from your agency to help grow their involvement too.
Stay Informed and Take Action
Advocacy doesn’t end with a single conversation—it’s an ongoing commitment to staying informed, building relationships, and speaking up for your industry. As independent agents, we have the knowledge and community impact to shape smart policy.
Visit our Georgia Agents Action Center for updates on the latest legislation, advocacy alerts, and tools you can use year-round. It’s your go-to resource for updates, tools, and guidance to make your voice count. 
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
John Barbour is the CEO and Lobbyist for the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia (IIAG), where he has championed pro-business, pro-insurance policy since joining the association in 2016. With over 20 years of experience advocating at the Georgia Capitol, John played a key role in the passage of landmark tort reform legislation—one of the most significant legal wins for Georgia’s small businesses. His leadership continues to protect Georgia’s insurance marketplace and strengthen the voice of independent agents across the state.
