California Agricultural Teachers’ Association (CATA) 
Legislative Advocacy Guide

Why Your Advocacy Matters

California’s legislators and their staff make decisions that directly affect agricultural education, Career Technical Education (CTE) funding, and our students’ opportunities. With term limits and high staff turnover, relationships need to be built and renewed constantly.

Your personal, local perspective matters. Lawmakers want to hear from constituents who can explain how proposed policies affect real programs, students, and communities.

The best time to build that relationship is before you need their help on a critical vote.

Advocacy Principles for Agricultural Educators

  • Be Informed. Know the legislative process, key committees, and your local lawmakers. Stay up to date on issues CATA is tracking.
  • Be Professional. You represent your school, program, and students. Always be respectful, clear, and courteous.
  • Be Local. Legislators care most about what affects their district. Use specific, personal examples.
  • Be Proactive. Don’t wait for a crisis. Build relationships year-round.

Building Strong Relationships at Home

The foundation of effective advocacy is a personal, trusting relationship with your legislator and their staff.

Why Relationships Matter

  • Legislators depend on local perspectives to make informed decisions.
  • When you have an established relationship, they are more likely to listen when you ask for support.
  • Staff are critical: they brief the legislator, shape recommendations, and remember who helped them understand complex issues.
  • Make Early Contact. Don’t wait until you need help. Introduce yourself before there’s a vote on the line.
  • Invite Them In. Bring your legislator (and staff) to see your program. Let them meet your students, tour your facilities, see projects, attend banquets or career development events. The best way to demonstrate value is to show it in action.
  • Attend Their Events. Watch for town halls, local meetings, community celebrations. Go, introduce yourself, and follow up.
  • Offer Your Expertise. Let them know you’re available to answer questions about agricultural education, career readiness, workforce development, or rural issues.
  • Be Seen as a Resource. Don’t just ask for things. Offer to help them understand local needs or develop solutions.
  • Keep Them Updated. Share news about student successes, program achievements, and impacts on the community. Send photos or short emails a few times a year.
  • Get to Know Staff. District staff often drive the policy research and recommendations. Build genuine connections with them too.
  • Personalize Your Outreach. Legislators and staff receive many requests. Personal stories and local examples stand out.
  • Be Patient and Consistent. Relationships take time. Regular contact matters more than one urgent meeting.
  • Respect Their Role. Legislators balance many interests. A respectful, professional approach makes you the kind of constituent they want to help.

How to Build Those Relationships

Key Strategies to Build Trust

Guidelines for Writing Your Legislator

Clear, personal communication is essential.

  • Be Timely. Make sure your letter or email arrives before the vote or hearing.
  • Identify Yourself. Include your name, role (e.g., agriculture teacher at XYZ High School), and school or district.
  • Address Letters Properly:

            The Honorable [First Last]
California State Senate
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

            Dear Senator [Last Name]:

            The Honorable [First Last]
California State Assembly
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

            Dear Assembly Member [Last Name]:

  • Use Your Own Words. Personal stories carry more weight than form letters.
  • Keep It Short. One page or less. Be clear and direct.
  • Identify Bills. Include title and number (e.g., “AB 1234 – Agricultural Education Funding”).
  • Explain Your Position. How does it affect students, your program, the local economy, or workforce development?
  • Be Respectful. Avoid threats or insults. Courtesy matters.
  • Offer to Help. Let them know you’re a resource on ag education.
  • Follow Up. Thank them for considering your views and for their time.

Guidelines for District Office Visits

A face-to-face meeting is one of the best ways to make a lasting impression.

  • Call Ahead. Schedule an appointment. Fridays often work best as legislators return from Sacramento.
  • Prepare Your Points. Know the bill number, your position, and why it matters locally.
  • Dress Professionally. Reflect your role as an educator and community leader.
  • Be Mindful of Time. For introductory visits, keep it brief. For specific issues, be prepared to explain clearly.
  • Include Staff. Build connections with district office staff, who often shape the legislator’s understanding.
  • Bring Materials. Leave behind concise, useful information that reinforces your message.
  • Ask for Their Position. Politely inquire how they plan to vote.
  • Listen and Discuss. Respectfully share your views, even if they disagree.
  • Express Appreciation. Thank them for their time, both in person and with a follow-up note.

Stay Connected

CATA is here to support you.

If you need help preparing, want to learn more about specific bills, or need talking points, please contact the CATA office.

Together, we can ensure California’s legislators understand the vital role of agricultural education in building our state’s future workforce, economy, and communities.

Find Your California Legislator

Not sure who represents you in the State Assembly or Senate? Use this easy online tool to look them up by your address:

➡️ Find Your California Legislator