Related Links: VVA Legislative Coordinators / Grassroots Lobbying / Your Responsibility / Visiting Your Legislator / Writing Your Legislator

Visiting Your Legislator

Person-to-person visits are an excellent way to get your point across to legislators and staff.

Make An Appointment. Call or write your legislator's home office, or call the U.S. Capitol at 202/224-3121 to contact his or her, Washington, DC, office. Ask staff to arrange a time and place, either in Washington or in the legislator's district. To contact your state legislators, write or call their local offices or your state capitol building.

Be Prepared. Know what you want to say. Emphasize how the issue affects you, your community, and your state. Present your views politely but persuasively. Use relevant facts and research to support your views. Bring an expert on the subject to support your views, if possible.

Follow Up! Send a thank-you letter to your legislator and to the staff who helped arrange your visit. Include a summary of your position plus any other new information that supports your views.

Tips on having an effective lobbying visit:

BE CONFIDENT. Focus on the issue - let your enthusiasm and concern override any shyness.

BE FIRM BUT POLITE. Find out your legislator's position on issues. Ask what action he or she intends. Don't be afraid to press for specifics.

BE BRIEF. Since legislators have extremely busy schedules, be sure you are on time for your appointment. Plan to get your message across in 5 or 10 minutes. Don't get sidetracked into small talk - make your time really count.

ANSWER QUESTIONS. Respond to questions clearly and concisely. If you don't know the answer, admit it - and send the answer later.

LISTEN CAREFULLY. Even if you disagree with you legislator's viewpoint, listen carefully. Understanding their view will help you attempt new angles in swaying their opinion and advocate more effectively in the future.