9 Tips for a Successful Visit with a Legislator
1. Make an appointment. Schedule your visit in advance. Do not show up without an appointment. A broad-based delegation of constituents( three to five is the ideal number) may increase the likelihood of getting a meeting with the legislator rather than a staff member.
2. Prepare for the meeting. Decide on the exact issue( s) you would like to discuss with the legislator and do your homework so that you are well-versed in each subject. Try to limit your issues to the least amount possible( no more than two or three) to maximize discussion time. Do research to discover how the legislator has previously voted on each issue( www. lrc. ky. gov is an excellent resource). Determine who will cover each issue and the order of agenda. Decide on a group leader who will begin / end the meeting, ensure that the conversation flows and that all issues and major points are covered.
3. Be punctual and positive. Be on time, preferably early. Thank the legislator for his or her time and for representing you. If the legislator has supported your issue( s) in the past, be sure to acknowledge it and thank them for it. Even if they disagree on certain issues, thank them for hearing your side. Do not act disappointed if your meeting ends up being with a staff member. Legislators are very busy.
4. Take time for introductions. Briefly introduce the individuals in your group, the organization( s) you represent, and the issues you wish to discuss.
5. Be patient and polite. Ask for your legislator’ s view on each issue, and do not get angry if it is not the response you would prefer. Listen and gather information.
6. Make the Ask. State exactly what you are asking the legislator to support. For instance,“ we would like to have your support of HB 4321, the Feel Good bill.” Give several brief points as to why the legislator should support the legislation. Try to avoid a long philosophical debate. Many people make the mistake of leaving the legislator’ s office without making“ the Ask.” This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when lobbying.
7. Do not stay too long. Most legislators say that 10 to 15 minutes is the optimal time for a visit. Keep an eye on the time. If you have been in the office for 15 minutes, say,“ we do not want to take up too much of your time” and offer to wrap up the meeting. If a legislator then invites you to stay longer, that is okay.
8. Follow up. Leave only one or two pages of relevant materials. Tell the legislator or staff member that you will get back to him or her if you cannot provide information about an issue on the spot. If the legislator or staff person is unfamiliar with a bill, ask for follow-up correspondence. Before leaving, ask if there is anything you can do to assist the legislator.
9. Express gratitude. At the end of the meeting, thank the legislator or staff person for his or her time. Send a thank you letter soon after your visit, repeating your“ ask.” This will help to build a relationship over time.
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