In our country, everybody is entitled to converse with a Member of Parliament (MP) so that their voice is heard. However, making contact with an MP can seem daunting. It is easy to see your MP as corrupt, power-crazy and rich, knowing everything about everything. This is, fortunately, not the truth. The common view of MPs is shaped by the satirical portrait we get from the media, and is frankly wrong. There is no big divide between us. MPs are ordinary people with slightly more power than most. They know a little about a lot. They deal with issues as diverse as Jazz appreciation and Wildlife protection. Their knowledge of the arms trade, for example, is unlikely to be vast. Remembering this when you're campaigning is important, and can help you to feel empowered. By doing a small amount of reading on a subject, you are likely to know it as well or better than your MP. Consequently, feel free to argue with your MP (always in love!) if you disagree with them.
MPs are interested in listening to you. This can be just in order to gain votes, but whatever the motivation, it is their duty to listen. It is important to build relationships with them. If your MP helps you out in some way, such as writing to the PM, thank them. They are humans and will respond to friendliness. Remember also to pray for them. The bible is clear that we should pray for our leaders, and this includes MPs. Pray for God's guidance, for change and protection over them. Again, all we do should be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14).
If you can, please email p.j.mitchell@durham.ac.uk, who works for Speak, letting him know what progress you're making with your MP. This helps the national network stay informed about what groups are doing, and is beneficial for long-term campaigning
Write
Writing a letter is an effective and fast way of communicating with your MP. MPs read letters they receive, and take note particularly of hand-written letters. If you write by hand, it shows you're committed enough to the cause to take the time to write. They also know that it's not some mass mailing that you've signed.
To find out who your MP is, go to this MPs directory and type in your postcode. This will give you all the contact details for your MP.
When you write, try to use your own words. If you copy out a standard letter, your MP is likely to have already read it. Try to be personal. Explain who you are, which will encourage forming a relationship, but always be concise, because MPs are busy people. Then go on to policy, informing your MP of the policy you wish to see changed. Remember, they may know little about the policy, or your information may refresh them on an issue they have not been active on recently. You may also wish to request your MP to take some action. This may be to write to an appropriate government minister, or to sign an early day motion. Lastly, inform your MP of any upcoming events that may be of interest (such as SPEAK's day of action).
It is important to be persistent. When your MP takes the time to write to you, write back! Make sure your questions get satisfactory answers. Be persistent in prayer for your MP.
Meet
MPs run 'surgeries', usually every two weeks, to meet with their constituents. To find out when your MPs surgery is, locate your MP (MPs directory), then phone them. You can then make an appointment. It may help you to go in a small group, to give you confidence. Read-up on the issue before meeting your MP, and preferably jot down some questions or points. Remember to say you represent SPEAK, and if the opportunity arises, ask what part of his or her work you can pray for. There is no need to be nervous; remember that they are people, and are not likely to be experts on the topic. Your primary aim is not to argue but to raise concerns and listen to responses.
An EDM is a notice of a motion put forward by an MP that is not generally expected to be debated. An MP will put forward (table) an EDM to draw attention to an issue, and to get support for it by inviting other MPs to add their signatures to the motion. In effect, it is a form of petition for MPs to sign. You are welcome to write to your MP to ask them to sign an EDM. See the House of Commons EDM database, or the government factsheet (pdf format).
This short paragraph cannot do justice to the power of prayer. It will have to suffice to quote (and try to explain) some Scripture:
'I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.' -- 1 Timothy 2:1-2
The Bible instructs us to pray for our rulers, that we may live in peace. When humans are left to do things as they please, we see utter destruction. But when God intereves, we can expect radical change. If we are serious about seeing peace in the world, about seeing the hungry fed and the oppressed set free, we need to petition God to change things.
Tearfund have produced some Bible studies on the topic of Biblical campaigning.
See http://www.tearfund.org/Campaigning/Biblical+Campaigning/