So you've scheduled a meeting with your legislator - now what? Follow these guidelines to make the most of your session:

• Do your homework on your issue and the legislation
• Be on-time but be patient if you have to wait - lawmakers have busy schedules with many interruptions
  • If you are running late, call your legislator's office as soon as possible
  • Due to tight schedules, your legislator may have to reschedule
• If meeting as a group, collaborate beforehand:
  • Determine who will act as the "leader" and "closer" of the meeting
  • Review talking points and the purpose of the meeting
  • Confirm what each person is expected to contribute to the discussion
  • Arrive at least 10-15 minutes in advance to regroup
• Be prepared to answer questions
  
  • If you don't know the answer, tell the lawmaker you will confirm and follow-up accordingly
• Provide a one-page summary of the issue and arguments in your favor to leave behind
• Send a brief post-meeting thank you letter including the date, time, and location of the meeting and a summary of the discussion