Working With Legislators

During the visit:

1. Introduce yourself. Tell your legislator if you are a constituent. Let him/her know of any common connection you have.

2. Provide your legislator with a written statement about your position. Short statements work best.

3. Be clear about your position and what you want your legislator to do.

4. If your visit is in regard to specific legislation try to get a specific commitment on how your legislator will vote. Sign on as a cosponsor and vote in favor of HB 576!

5. Always be courteous. Never be angry, hostile or rude.

6. If you don't know the answer to a question, admit it, make a commitment to follow up, and do so.

7. Thank your legislator for the opportunity to meet.

Other tips for a successful visit with a legislator:

1. Prepare and practice your presentation well in advance of your meeting.

2. Confine your presentation to one or two main points. Too many important points may overwhelm your audience and subvert your effort.

3. Work with a group. Divide your message and identify who will make each point. Assign one member of your group to take notes and another to conclude the meeting by summarizing key points, agreements and decisions.

4. Be early and be prepared to wait. Be aware of the heavy demands on your legislator's time.

5. Humanize and localize the issue. How does it affect constituents?

6. Listen to your legislator's concerns and be prepared to respond directly.

7. Be sure to close with a clear request for follow-up.

After the visit:

1. Send a thank you note to your legislator. Note all agreements with which your meeting concluded. Describe your own commitment to follow-up.

2. Write a summary of the meeting and share it with others working on the issue.

3. Keep track of how your legislator votes and send a letter expressing thanks or concern based on his/her vote.