Crafting the Right Message: Communicating Effectively During the Interim
The interim is your opportunity to educate, persuade, and build momentum, but only if your message cuts through. With fewer distractions than during the legislative session, interim committees offer advocates a unique window for deeper engagement. That also means your communication must be clear, tailored, and respectful of legislators' time.
Whether speaking with a chair, sending materials to a staff analyst, or preparing to testify, the right message delivered in the right format can move your issue forward long before a bill is ever filed.
Why Messaging Matters More in the Interim
Interim committees don't vote on legislation, but they shape it. Legislators are in listening mode, looking to understand complex issues and identify solutions. This is the moment to frame your issue as:
Timely – connected to current policy trends or community concerns
Actionable – leading to a policy solution they can pursue
Grounded – supported by data, testimony, or real-world experience
Materials That Work in Interim Settings
Here are the most effective formats to engage committee members and staff:
1. One-Pagers
Your essential leave-behind. Include:
A concise overview of your issue
Why it matters to New Mexico (and the committee's jurisdiction)
Recommended next steps or policy solutions
Contact info for follow-up
🛠 Tip: Tailor this document to each committee's specific mission. One size does not fit all.
2. Talking Points
Prepare 3–5 bullet points for meetings or testimony:
Use plain language
Avoid jargon
Emphasize how the issue affects constituents
Include a compelling story or example
🛠 Tip: Offer these talking points to allied legislators to use in meetings or committee discussions.
3. Issue Briefs
For more complex issues, a 2–3 page brief can provide depth without overwhelming:
Include charts, timelines, or case studies
Highlight past legislative action
Provide proposed solutions or questions for study
🛠 Tip: Include a one-paragraph executive summary at the top. Legislators may only read that section.
4. Testimony or Public Comment
If you're presenting at a meeting:
Keep it under 3 minutes
Lead with a clear statement of purpose
Ground your comments in local impact
End with a specific ask
🛠 Tip: Submit written testimony in advance with your contact info. Follow up with staff after the meeting.
Call to Action: Prepare a Tailored One-Pager
Now is the time to prepare committee-specific messaging materials. Here's a quick checklist to get started:
Identify the committee and their current focus
Draft a one-pager tailored to their jurisdiction
Include one local example or story per document
Prepare a short email to accompany your materials
Schedule time to follow up or offer a briefing
Final Thought
Effective advocacy during the interim is less about the volume of materials and more about the clarity of your message. By creating concise, targeted content for the right audience, you increase the likelihood that your issue will rise to the top and not get lost in the shuffle.
At Maki Campaign Solutions, we specialize in helping organizations craft clear, strategic messaging that resonates in policy settings. Whether you're preparing a one-pager or planning interim testimony, we're here to help you make it count.
📩 Ready to craft your message? Contact us to get started.
