Visiting Your Legislator
A personal visit with your legislator or their staff can
have an impact. We have provided some basic tips to keep in
mind.
Plan Carefully Before You Visit:
Be clear on the purpose of your visit and what you would
like to achieve. Know ahead of time which legislator or
committee staff you need to meet with in order to achieve
your purpose.
Schedule an Appointment:
Contact the Appointment Secretary/Scheduler when planning
to meet with a legislator. Explain your purpose and who you
represent. It is easier for a legislator's staff to arrange
a meeting if they know what you wish to discuss and your
relationship to the area or interests represented by the
legislator.
Prepare Ahead of Time:
Be prepared to provide information and materials that
support your position. It is important to share your
perspective as a constituent and outline the impact
associated with a particular issue or piece of legislation.
Arrive On Time:
Always be on-time and patient when meeting with an
elected official. The legislator's schedule is usually very
crowded and it is not uncommon for an elected official to be
late, or to have a meeting interrupted. If interruptions
occur, be flexible and when the opportunity presents itself,
continue your meeting with a legislator's staff.
Follow-Up:
Be prepared to answer questions or provide additional
information. Follow up the meeting with a thank you letter
outlining the main points your discussion and forward any
additional information and materials requested.
|
