Visiting Your Congressperson
If you’re planning to visit one or more of your Congresspersons to express your views over a piece of legislation, here are some tips that could make your visit more effective, courtesy of Capitol Advantage’s Directory of the 111th. Congress.
Planning Your Visit
- Be clear about what you want to achieve (what is the relevant legislation, what is your position, what special considerations apply to your case…)
- If you cannot actually meet the Member, which staffer is most appropriate to meet?
- The larger the group you bring with you, the better your chance of meeting the Member himself or herself.
Making the Appointment
- Contact the Member’s appointment secretary or scheduler. To find their number, you can visit the Solar Nation Cross-country page, and enter your ZIP code under ‘Find Your Officials’.
- Mention that you are a constituent, describe your concern, and explain who you represent, if appropriate.
At the Appointment
- Be punctual, patient, and flexible. Members may be late or have to leave early. Be prepared to hold part or all of the meeting with the Member’s staff.
- Be prepared. Bring all information and materials that support your position to the meeting. Members cannot be expected to be experts on all issue areas, so it is useful to give examples of positive and/or negative impacts of a piece of pending legislation.
- Demonstrate, if possible, the connection between your request and the interests of the Member’s constituency at large. If you or your group can be of assistance to the Member, explain how.
- Ask for a commitment.
- Be prepared to answer questions or provide additional information.
- Follow up the meeting with a thank-you letter that summarizes the meeting, and send any additional information requested.
