Make a difference

Visiting your legislator

A personal visit with your legislator or their staff can have an impact. We have provided some basic tips to keep in mind.

Plan carefully before you visit

Be clear on the purpose of your visit and what you would like to achieve. Know ahead of time which legislator or committee staff you need to meet with in order to achieve your purpose.

Schedule an appointment

Contact the Appointment Secretary/Scheduler when planning to meet with a legislator. Explain your purpose and who you represent. It is easier for a legislator’s staff to arrange a meeting if they know what you wish to discuss and your relationship to the area or interests represented by the legislator.

Prepare ahead of time

Be prepared to provide information and materials that support your position. It is important to share your perspective as a constituent and outline the impact associated with a particular issue or piece of legislation.

Arrive on time

Always be on-time and patient when meeting with an elected official. The legislator’s schedule is usually very crowded and it is not uncommon for an elected official to be late, or to have a meeting interrupted. If interruptions occur, be flexible and when the opportunity presents itself, continue your meeting with a legislator’s staff.

Follow-up

Be prepared to answer questions or provide additional information. Follow up the meeting with a thank you letter outlining the main points your discussion and forward any additional information and materials requested.