Scripts and Templates A meeting with a Member of Parliament is one of the most effective ways of building a personal relationship. By putting a face on the issue, you make it “real” for elected politicians. SCRIPTS During an election campaign you will have several opportunities to speak to candidates or their representatives. This is especially true if you decide to volunteer on an election campaign. It is important that the JDRF messages be delivered clearly and consistently. These scripts should be used as a guide at all times when the candidate comes to your door, when you drop by the campaign office, or when a volunteer phones you. When candidates ask for your support, you should say something like this: “Type 1 diabetes is a personal concern. Increased funding is the only way we can find a cure. Are you aware of the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?” If you are speaking to the incumbent Member of Parliament you should ask them the following: “Have you supported the efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to secure increased federal research funding to establish a Clinical Trial Network for Type 1 diabetes?” When you have the chance, ask every candidate this question: “Will you, if elected, support increased federal funding for type 1 diabetes research and support the establishment of a Clinical Trial Network for this disease?” Finally, you have to let electoral candidates know exactly where you stand. They are asking you to support them, so it’s only fair to ask them to support you as well. Before they leave your doorstep, before they end the phone call, before you agree to volunteer, make this clear: “My support for you depends on your support for finding a cure of type 1 diabetes. Can I count on your support in this regard?” LETTER TEMPLATES Below are templates that you should use as guidelines when writing to your MP and election candidates to arrange or follow up on a meeting. When you write, try to use your own words. No one can tell your story better than you, and it is your personal experience that matters most.
REQUESTING A MEETING WITH YOUR CANDIDATES [Your name and address appear here] [Today’s date] [Candidate’s name here] [Campaign office address]
Dear [Candidate’s Name]: As a resident of the Riding of (Insert Riding Name), I am writing to request a meeting with you on [date], to discuss your support for increased federal funding towards finding a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications. [Relay personal story/experience i.e.: What it’s like to live with type 1 diabetes; what a cure for diabetes would mean to you; daily regimen, include thoughts, feelings, be as descriptive as you feel comfortable]. SAMPLE: My daughter, Madeleine, is five years old and she has struggled with type 1 diabetes since the age of 4. I know that with an increased commitment to research we will find a cure for type 1 diabetes, as we are on the verge of exciting new medical and research breakthroughs. I sincerely hope that your schedule will allow time for a meeting on this important issue. I will follow up next week with your scheduler. Thank you for your attention to this request. Sincerely, [Your name here]
THANKING A CANDIDATE
[Your name and address appear here] [Today’s date] [Candidate’s name here] [Campaign office address]
Dear [Candidate’s Name]: I am writing to thank you for your support for increased federal funding for type 1 diabetes research. Finding a cure for type 1 diabetes is a personal mission for me.
Increased federal funding will enable the world’s best researchers to take advantage of tremendous scientific opportunities in the area of type 1 diabetes research. This would be particularly true through the establishment of a Clinical Trial Network for type 1 diabetes research. [Relay personal story/experience i.e.: What it’s like to live with type 1 diabetes; what a cure for diabetes would mean to you; daily regimen, include thoughts, feelings, be as descriptive as you feel comfortable] Once again, thank you on behalf of all Canadians who suffer from this terrible disease. I know that with strong leaders from people like you, we will find a cure to this disease. Sincerely, [Your name here]