Meeting with your Legislators

Whenever meeting with a legislator, a staff member, or a legislative 
committee, it is important to provide your listener with a one-page
summary of your issue and the position you are taking. The following
is a tested model:

• Identify yourself, your position, and your organization or association;
• Identify the bill name and number.
• Describe the principle issue including what the bill does, reasons why changes are needed and why you support or oppose it (Give specific examples);
• Explain what you want your legislator to do: Support it, oppose it, move it through the process;
• Ask your legislator's position or intention when appropriate; and
• Indicate who to contact for additional information.

NOTE: This model could also be used as a fact sheet for testimony or
for a press conference or press interview.

HELPFUL HINTS:

* Meet One-On-One. Take the time to meet with your legislator one-on-one 
in your district. You could meet over a cup of coffee or at their office.
*When to Meet. Try to meet once during elections, after elections, and 
during and after the legislative session;
*Keep it Small. If you are meeting your legislator in a group, keep the 
size of your delegation to three people. Any more decreases the type of
personal contact that makes such meetings so effective.
*Keep the Lines of Communication Open. If a legislator or aide asks a
question that you are unable to answer, let them know that you will get
back to them with the appropriate information. This will allow for an
ongoing dialogue with the legislator.
*Let the Expert Speak. If there is someone in your delegation who has
expertise in an area of particular interest to a legislator, defer to
that person. Try to anticipate questions by researching the legislator's
views on an issue in advance and identifying their special interest.
*Thursdays are Good. During session it is easiest to make appointment
with your legislators on Thursday, since this is the day committee hearing
schedules come out and legislators know what openings they will have for 
the following week;
*Thank your Legislator. Always write your legislator a thank you note 
after one of your meetings. Thank your legislator for meeting with you
and briefly reiterate the points made during that meeting Legislators 
like to be helpful and like to be thanked. Building a personal relationship
with them can make an enormous impact on how they vote during the session.

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Personal Growth Retreat June 2004

July 7, 2003
Irma L. Perez, Webmaster