Present a clear, succinct ask for the elected official

Now that you've spent time cultivating relationships with elected officials, it's time to ask them to do what you need. Prepare a written, one-page ask in letter or memo form that outlines what you need from the elected official.

You should call a meeting with the official and your surrogates to explain your case and present an ask letter.

Remember those three-paragraph essays we learned about in high school? My English teacher, Dr. Bloom, taught me to "tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, and finally tell them what you just said." That advice fits with government relations for non-profits.

Good business writing is vital to advocacy work, yet it is often lacking when people write elected officials. Harvard Business Review has a great blog post on better business writing and offers a comprehensive business writing guide for $20. Both are well worth the read.

Here are some tips for you to write an ask letter for elected officials:

Your ask should be succinct -- no more than one page. This is not the time to test your skills in writing complex prose. Too often, constituents and non-profits send 4-5 page letters to elected officials and expect them to be read and digested word-for-word. Elected officials and staff have limited time and need easily-read documents.

Note: If you absolutely need to present more than one page of information, consider attaching or enclosing an addendum with more information. Still keep the "ask letter" to one page.

Your ask should be in the first paragraph. In many letters to elected officials, the ask is buried after pages of introduction and buildup. You should get to the point early on and then follow with corroboration.

Your ask should be specific. If you want action on legislation, include the bill number. If you want money, provide the exact amount. What will the money be used for? Why is it important?

Your ask should give details about your organization. Provide clear metrics on what you do and why it matters. How many people do your serve? Are you effective? How many people are affected by your cause? How are you good stewards of public money?

Your ask should refute your opposition or acknowledge reality. If you know there are groups who oppose you or if you know the political climate is difficult, acknowledge the situation but provide information that might allay the elected official's concerns.

Your ask should explain what's in it for them. If your organization has a large following, mention that. If you organization works within the official's district, mention that. If you have a PAC or 501(c)(4), mention that.

Your ask should incorporate advice they have given you. If you got advice from them during the cultivation phase, mention it in your letter to let them know you were listening.

Your ask should give a timeline. If you need an answer by a certain time, let the official know.

Your ask should provide contact information if the elected official or staff members have questions or need to follow up.

Your ask should be signed by a good surrogate, preferably someone who has met with the official before.

Here is a sample letter:

Sample Ask Letter for Budget Consideration