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