TUTA Leaders and Activists
Each of our members works independently in their area to raise awareness about the issue of money in politics and build support for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution by getting local, municipal resolutions passed. On this page we will present ideas and strategies for effective grassroots organizing and working with local elected officials.
This website is designed to assist in communicating with local supporters and facilitate communication with other members of the network. Each member has a page on this site which will be their platform for making announcements, posting photos, maps, local information as well as links to pertinent information and websites of interest.
TUTA Objectives
#1 Public Outreach
It is important to build citizen support for a local resolution. We do this by informing our neighbors about the issue and letting them know there is something they can do about it. The higher number of people pushing for an amendment, the more likely it will be passed. Each time a municipal resolution is passed it builds support for a state resolution and ultimately an amendment.
Here are some techniques for getting the conversation going.
Here are some techniques for getting the conversation going.
- Letters to the Editor
- Tabling at events, pass out flyers
- Get petitions signed
- Set up a public meeting to discuss the issue
- Seek endorsements from local small businesses
- Join forces with other organizations
- Learn to use the media to inform local citizens
- Use the "How to" tab on this website for information about grassroots organizing.
#2Local Government Outreach
Build City and County support for a local resolution. Elected officials don't like to be blind sided publicly on an issue they are not prepared for. It is important to provide them with information, petitions, endorsements, letters of support, and ask them to vote yes.
- Who are your Council persons or Commissioners?
- Call or email your City or County representative. Let them know you are a concerned citizen and you want them to pass a resolution to amend. Fact sheets are available in the "Resources" tab.
- Meet with them before bringing this up at a Council meeting. You may need to meet with staff members if the Council person is not available.
- Be a regular visitor, get to know them personally
- Provide info about why this is a local issue. Use flyers or print out informative articles. Several are available in the "Resources" tab.
- If there are local examples of how money in politics has impacted your community that is a great way to connect the dots and make it a local problem too.
- The "How to" tab has more information about talking with your elected officials.
#3 Working at the State Level
Maintain contact with your Texas state representatives throughout the year to keep them informed about this issue. During Legislative session, join TUTA members and participate in Lobby Day (to be announced). We will deliver petitions and visit Legislators at the Capitol. More distant supporters can keep up the pressure by calling and emailing regularly.
Maintain contact with your Texas state representatives throughout the year to keep them informed about this issue. During Legislative session, join TUTA members and participate in Lobby Day (to be announced). We will deliver petitions and visit Legislators at the Capitol. More distant supporters can keep up the pressure by calling and emailing regularly.
- Calling Legislators
- Provide them with information
- Keep them up to date about changes
- Tracking Legislation
- Follow the Legislative Process