When you think of lobbying, you probably think of State House halls, formal letters, or official meetings scheduled in offices or quiet restaurants. But what you may not know is that nearly every one of your legislators now has an active presence on social media, and their Facebook and Twitter accounts are as valid and impactful a meeting ground as their offices.

In fact, sometimes, social media causes a greater impact than a formal letter these days, because on social media, one message may not just reach your representative or senator. One message may reach your entire district.

And that kind of reach is a reality every politician watches like a hawk.

Here are the easy steps to finding, reaching, and engaging your legislator online. Double your lobbying efforts by reaching out via social media, bring your fellow state citizens to the conversation, and raise awareness of the laws and proposed laws threatening or supporting human lives in Massachusetts.

1. Do you know who your representatives are? Who your senator is? If not, start here: Plug in Your Address and Receive Your Legislators' Full Contact Information (click here to search).

2. Do you have FaceBook? If so, take the names of your representatives to your FaceBook toolbar, and type them in. 

It should look like this in your browser.

3. Do you have Twitter? If so, take the names of your senator or representatives and type them into the search bar on your Twitter feed.

If your senator or representative has an account, it should show up like this in your browser:

Click on the name in the search results, then select follow. Now, you can either tweet at them, or send them a direct message.

The MCFL Rose Drive is an annual memorial and fundraising outreach that is easy, attractive, and adaptable. Our chapters and our members have been offering roses outside churches or during fairs or community events almost since our inception.

What, then, is a rose drive?

Rose Drives serve a dual purpose: as memorials for preborn people, and as fundraisers. Roses purchased to remember the children and their mothers victimized by legal abortion directly support MCFL’s educational programs, community outreach, lobbying, and more.

Many drives are held on Mother’s Day, or during October, Respect Life Month. Many members get permission from their pastor to offer roses after services -- this has been a highly successful, as well as easy, strategy.

As you plan your own Rose Drive for the upcoming year, the following steps may be helpful: