If you would like to have a one-on-one conversation with your representative or their legislative staff on a specific issue, consider setting an appointment to visit your representative. You can visit them in the capitol or at their district office, which is probably much closer to you. Remember that your legislator wants to represent the needs of his or her district and your input can be very helpful.

If you’re nervous about going on this visit and would like some assistance in preparing, please contact us and we can help you.

For a Successful Legislative Visit

• Plan carefully. Be clear about what it is you want to achieve and get out of the meeting.
• Make an appointment. Setting an appointment in advance is necessary. Call the legislator’s office and ask to make an appointment with the Representative/Senator or a staff member to talk about the issue you’re interested in. Staff members specialize in certain issue areas, so make sure that you are meeting with the correct person. Be sure to explain your purpose, any organization that you represent and your relationship to the area (i.e., if you happen to be a constituent) or interests represented by the member.
• Be prompt and patient. It is common for legislators to be late or to have a meeting interrupted. If interruptions do occur, attempt to continue your meeting with a staff member.
• Be prepared. Bring materials that support your position and leave them with your legislator. Legislators cannot know everything about every bill they have to vote on, so it is helpful to offer information and examples that clearly demonstrate the impact associated with a particular issue or bill.
• Make a connection. Wherever possible, demonstrate the connection between what you are requesting and the interests of the legislator’s constituency. If possible, describe for the member how you or your group can be of assistance to him/her.
• Ask for a commitment. If you are meeting about a specific piece of legislation, make a point of asking the legislator to support the bill or oppose it. If possible, ask them to make a commitment to that position.
• Follow-up. After the meeting, send a thank you letter that outlines the different points covered during the meeting, and send along any additional information and materials requested.