The Alliance For Women

**Courtesy of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence**

Visit your legislators alone or as a part of a group, it’s your choice.  Serve as the spokesperson of the group.  Inform them right away that you are a part of an organizational effort.  Legislators often pay more attention if they know that you represent more than one vote.  You may opt to visit your Member of Congress (or state government) when you are visiting Washington, DC (your state capitol) or you may choose to set up an appointment in his/her local office in your home state (district).

Schedule an appointment.  It is preferred that you schedule an appointment to meet your legislator in advance, this way he/she can give you their attention without distractions.  Call the legislator’s office at least a day before your visit to arrange an appointment.  If possible, schedule an appointment during the legislator’s normal office hours.  You have a right to see your representative, so if you feel like you are being put off, keep trying.  Point out that it will be a short visit.  Be on time (or early)!

Bring a business card.  Give your legislator your business card at the beginning of the meeting.  The business card should have your full contact information.

Prepare a short written statement.  A short written statement of your position should be presented to your legislators to explain what the bill does and why they should support your viewpoint.

Plan the visit ahead of time.  Go in with a mental list of issues to be covered, questions to be asked and answers to be obtained.

Be focused and keep the conversation to the topic.  Legislators (intentionally and unintentionally) tend to divert you from your topic to something they know more about or an issue that you can agree on.  Don’t stray, and don’t let the legislator evade or change the subject.  Be polite, but firm.

Be personal.  Tell the legislator about how your concerns about specific legislation relate to you personally or to your neighbors’ lives (or the lives of victims you serve).  Let them know right away if you are a constituent.

Don’t get belligerent, defensive, or flustered.  You won’t win any points by annoying the legislator.  Legislators may make critical remarks about your position or your organization.  They may ask tough questions.  If you don’t know, tell them you will get back to them.

Your word is your bond.  Never promise anything you cannot deliver.  Never lie or mislead a legislator about the relative importance of an issue, the opposition’s position or strength, or other matters.

Ask for a commitment.  Your goal is to enlist the legislator’s support, so be as specific as you can.  Ask direct questions such as “Will you vote for this bill in committee?”  or “Will you support this amendment when it comes to the floor?”  And get answers.

Be sure to thank your legislators for their time and support on issues.  They will remember you and be particularly responsive to your future needs.

Follow-up promptly.  Send a thank-you note immediately.  Include anything you promised to send, and an explanation that requested information would follow.

Continue the relationship.  Check back to see if your legislator needs more information.  Inform your legislator of new information.  Invite your legislator to events that you are holding.  Be sure to thank your legislator for taking the actions that you requested, even if it is months or years later when the action is taken.