Proposed cuts in federal funding to domestic-violence services could lead to more cases such as those of Cindy Bischof and Mercedes McCauley, two Chicago-area women murdered by their ex-boyfriends in the past month, Illinois legal advocates fear.

For the price of an Amtrak ticket, Illinois residents can get off the train in Springfield, walk a few blocks to the Capitol and knock on any senator or representative’s door to discuss legislation that matters to them.

Although often less experienced, concerned citizens bring a personal dimension to legislation that gives them a distinct advantage over professional lobbyists, insiders say.

But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t an art to effective lobbying, and the pros have a few tips to help you hone your skills.

Connect with legislators