Visiting your legislators in their district or capitol office is the best means of communicating with them. Whenever possible, schedule your appointment in advance of your visit. This is your best chance of actually getting some face time with your legislator or a key aide.
Your visit should include:
- Who you are and the name of your agency (if you are visiting on behalf of an agency)
- Where you are from and where your agency is located (mention entire service area)
- The issue of concern to you
- What you want from them (e.g., support for a bill, a budget request, action on a proposal)
- Again, be as specific as possible. Always know your bill number(s)!
Be sure to bring a fact sheet with the outline of your basic message and your name and telephone number for more information.
Be prepared to follow-up on your meeting. Let your legislator know how you plan to share the results of the meeting with others (e.g., through a mailing or newsletter, at a group meeting) and with whom you will be sharing the information (e.g., the 2,500 subscribers to our newsletter).
Always thank your legislator for their time and any of their recent actions of which you approve.
For more information contact Stacy Ruble at PublicPolicy@vsdvalliance.org E-mail is not a secure form of communication. To ensure confidentiality please call the Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.838.8238 (V/TTY).
