Toolkit - Meeting with Your LegislatorObjective Step 1 - Who is Going to Attend? Contacting the Legislator's Office Remember to be polite when making the request; the scheduler is a very important gatekeeper and is someone that you will want to stay in the good graces of. The scheduler may tell you that the legislator is not available; if that is the case, try to set up a meeting with the staffer who handles the issue you are bringing to the legislator. You want to make sure you have a face-to-face meeting with the correct staff person in order to make an impact. Finally, thank the scheduler for their time. Step 2 - Preparation for the Meeting Read the background information on your issue and know all facets of the issue. Also, recall some of your own anecdotal information on the issue in order to provide a personal story. The legislator will remember your personal story long after the meeting is over. Prepare your meeting attendees and coordinate your statements so each person in the group has one or more points to raise during your presentation to the legislator. Don’t be afraid to bring and reference your notes or bullet pointed “scripts” during the meeting. Make sure that your attendees are familiar with all aspects of the issue to avoid any miscommunication between participants and the legislator. Compose a one-page "leave behind," which is a summation of facts, on why your issue is important and its impact on the community. This "leave behind" is important to the legislator and staff. It allows them to have a succinct synopsis of the issue and of the impact. Step 3 - The Meeting with the Legislator The legislator, as your elected official, will want to help you; however, don’t be upset if you only get a chance to meet with a staffer. Legislative staffers are very important and often can influence decisions for their legislators on issues. Open your meeting by thanking the legislator for his/her time and his/her staff's willingness to work with you. Next, provide your concise, three-minute, “elevator speech” stressing why your issue is important to the community and especially important to you. Have the meeting attendees begin with their statements and points. Be sure to make your important points early on in the meeting in case the legislator needs to cut the meeting short. Never argue, bicker, or talk over other members in your group! This behavior gives the legislator the impression that you are not united and that your group is unorganized. If you are asked a question to which you do not know the answer, inform the legislator that you will get back to him/her with that information. Don't let it bother you - continue with your points. Once your meeting is over, do some research and find the answer to the legislator's question. You can include the answer and any background material with your thank you letter to the legislator. Always make sure that you provide the legislator with the information that he/she requests. Finally, at the close of your presentation, always ask the Let the legislator know you will follow up with a letter and a call. Thank the legislator and staff for the meeting. Step 4 - Post Meeting ATSI members may contact the ATSI legislative counsel (Dave Wenhold) for additional guidance by calling 703-927-1453 or by e-mailing[email protected] |