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Connecticut Water Trails
Program
Connecticut Water Bar
Effective Advocacy -
Visiting With A Policymaker
Few things are harder to put up with than the
annoyance of a good example.
- Mark Twain
Most legislators travel to their home districts
fairly often--on weekends, if possible, and when Congress is not in
session. They go home, in part, to meet with constituents either
individually or in town meetings. You can set up a meeting with your
Representative or Senator during one of these visits or attend a town
meeting forum to ask a question about your issues--a great way to
educate others in the issue.
Meeting face-to-face with a policymaker allows you
to fully explain your concerns, allows them to ask questions and
develops a better understanding of the issue for both of you. It is also
an important part of developing relationships into the future.
To Prepare For The Meeting:
Arrange for a small group
of people who share your concerns to participate in the meeting.
Decide ahead of time what
the group will say and who will speak on each issue.
Limit your visit to one,
or at most two, topics.
Decide in advance what you
hope to get out of the meeting--an agreement to sponsor a particular
bill, for example. If you want press coverage of your meeting, clear
it beforehand with the member. Don't 'ambush' the Member with
surprise or unexpected press or by taping the meeting without
permission. In short, remember the Golden Rule--treat the Member as
you would like to be treated if you were in his or her shoes.
During The Meeting:
Present your case. Explain
what you want your legislator to do and why.
Give examples of the
impact the proposed legislation will have on your home state or
district.
If you don't know the
answer to a question, don't make it up. Offer to find out and send
information back to the office later.
Keep control of the visit.
Don't be put off by smokescreens or long-winded answers.
Don't confront, threaten,
pressure, or beg.
Leave a brief position
paper or fact sheet with the member when you leave.
Follow up your visit with
a thank you note.
You can also invite your elected officials to
participate in your organization's activities. You might ask them to
address your group or present them with an award. These events leave a
lasting, positive impression about the organization and build a
relationship with the legislator that can be useful.
Quick Summary - Visiting With A Policymaker
Call their office to ask
for an appointment. Leave a number where you can be reached.
Legislators' home numbers are listed in the blue pages of your phone
book. They expect people to call them; but as the phone may ring in
their home, don't call at inappropriate hours.
Choose a convenient place
where you can talk without being interrupted - e.g. a school,
library, their office. Be sure you and they have directions and know
where to park.
Let them know what issues
you want to discuss.
Learn what you can about
the official - previous votes and actions on your issues, committee
assignments, professional background, and any public statements on
your issue.
You can take one or two
other people with you, but it isn't necessary. Keep the group small.
Prepare for the visit -
define your goal, brief yourselves on the issue, plan what you want
to say, even practice with a friend.
Bring a
fact sheet to leave with
them, preferably one page. The sheet should contain your most important
points, what you want them to do, and your contact information. Be sure to
leave your contact information - name, address, phone and email (if
available).
Arrive on time but
understand that they may not be. Be patient and understanding.
Introduce yourselves -
describe your interest in the issue, any organization you are
representing. If you are a constituent say so.
Be friendly and courteous.
A little small talk is fine, but get to the point. Be respectful of
their time.
Say your piece, but be
sure to listen to what they have to say. You can disagree politely,
but don't argue or interrupt.
Be sure to remember the point of the meeting -
what it is you want them to do.
They may ask a question
that you don't know the answer to. It happens to everyone - you
can't know everything about any issue. Don't make one up.
(You almost always get caught.) Say that you don't know, but you
will get back to them.
Get back to them.
If it is taking you a long time to find the answer, call to let them
know that you are still working on it.
If by mistake, you say
something that you later find out wasn't right - call right away and
correct the error.
Send a follow up thank you note - It doesn't
have to be long. Handwritten is best, but typed is fine. It should be
signed by everyone who visited, but don't wait too long to get signatures.
Include your contact information again and a copy of any materials or fact
sheets you left with him or her.
 The Importance Of The Legislative Staff
Keys To Effective Advocacy
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