Communication Tools - Working with your MP
Dealing with the media | Press Releases | Fundraising facts | Using your MP
Using your MP effectively can really help tackle some of the issues on which Age Concern campaigns. This section includes some practical suggestions on how to develop your relationship with them.
Most Age Concerns are in touch with their local MP - inviting them to speak at AGMs, open new projects, run an older people's surgery (during 'Your Rights' Week) or to learn more about the concerns and views of older people in the constituency. But some Age Concerns also encourage their MP to raise their views in Parliament - by asking a question (orally or in writing), requesting a debate, or putting their name to an 'Early Day Motion'.
Practicalities
- Keep in regular contact - Age Concerns who regularly write and meet with their MP tend to get more out of the relationship. Over time the MP's knowledge of issues affecting older people develops and they are better able to influence debates at local and national level. You could write to let them know about an exciting new project or invite them to drop in for an informal chat one Friday afternoon.
- Be aware of your local MP's background and position. MPs with positions in Government are more restricted as to what they can do publicly but they may well be able to influence matters 'behind the scenes'. Age Concerns who get to know their MPs' particular interests find that they can make use of this knowledge by targeting their requests.
- If you want your MP to attend a local event when Parliament is sitting it will have to be on a Friday, at the weekend (or possibly on a Monday morning if you're close to London). The summer break (mid July to early September) is a good time to invite your MP in for a visit or informal chat.
For more detailed information you can contact the ACE Parliamentary Unit (Katie Ghose or Helen Simpson) on 020 8765 7509/8.
