How to Connect with TxLege Staff
Seven Takeaways from Our New Survey Data
BY: LAUREN COOK, FOUNDER + LEAD STRATEGIST
Connecting Our Stories conducted a Texas Legislative Staffer survey during late December 2024 - early January 2025. (Read the project’s cheesy origin story here.) We requested input and insights about the best ways for constituents and advocates to build community and connection with state legislators and their staff. Our goal was to collect tangible data advocates could use to strengthen their communication strategies and share meaningful stories about the people and issues they represent. Our hope is these stories and relationships will lead to policies and investments that strengthen lives and communities across the state.
Below, we feature the results from select questions, along with a few open-ended responses. To access the full data deck and complete open-ended responses, become an email subscriber and we’ll send it to you.
Here are our top takeaways from the 2025 Texas Legislative Staff Communications Survey:
Legislative staff want to hear stories from constituents. They want to know how issues affect them locally and personally.
One-pagers are essential tools for advocates. They should be concise and compelling. (Connecting Our Stories believes the magic ingredient for “compelling” = story. Even a one-page document can tell a story by elevating the voices of the people most impacted by an issue.)
Staffers rely on advocates for data and research about the issues they represent, and visuals/infographics are appreciated.
Email is still the strongest communication tool, but the more customized/personal the content, the better.
Phone calls and in-person visits remain relevant. Many staffers prefer them, especially during the interim when there is more time to dig deep. (The “interim” refers to the period of time between the Texas legislative sessions, which occur every other year.)
The Texas legislative community is still very active on X (Twitter). Facebook is also highly utilized.
Forming trust and a deep understanding of issues with legislative staff takes time. The interim is a good time to do this work.
2025 Texas Legislative Staff Communications Survey Results
Q: Please describe your position.
Q: Please provide your age group.
Q: What is your preferred type of communications from constituents?
Q: What are effective ways to build relationships with constituents?
Q: When advocates visit you, what type of communication do you find effective?
Q: What is the best way for constituents to communicate with legislative offices via email?
Q: Which social media platforms does your office utilize professionally?
Q: In your own words, what is the best way for constituents and advocates to build trusting relationships with the legislative community?
Q: In your own words, what is the best way for constituents and advocates to build trusting relationships with the legislative community?
Note: Survey sample size is 24 staffers. Survey data is not considered scientifically rigorous or representative. It was collected informally via friends and colleagues in the Texas Legislature.