Advocacy Online:
Visiting Your Elected Officials
This is the fourth article in the series "Advocacy Online," which explains how NAIFA members can use NAIFA's Legislative Action Center for grassroots advocacy efforts.
Meeting with a member of Congress or congressional staff is the best way to demonstrate that there is a constituency for insurance and financial services in your district. However, sometimes the easiest way to meet with Members of Congress is when they are back in the district they represent, so don't limit yourself to Capitol Hill. In fact, in-district meetings are often just as effective as meetings in Washington.
Having an in-district lobby visit means that you meet with your elected official or his/her staff in the district office instead of going all the way to Washington, D.C. Whether you meet on the Hill or in-district, the following guidelines will help you get the most out of your time and theirs.
When attempting to meet with a member, contact the appointment secretary/scheduler. Explain your purpose and who you represent. It is easier for congressional staff to arrange a meeting if they know what you wish to discuss and your relationship to the area or interests represented by the member.
Preparing for the meeting is one of your most important steps. Whenever possible, bring to the meeting information and materials supporting your position. Members are required to take positions on many different issues. In some instances, a member may lack important details about the pros and cons of a particular matter. Be prepared with talking points and enough handouts for all people expected at the meeting.
When it is time to meet with a member, be on time and be patient. It is not uncommon for a congressman or congresswoman to be late, or to have a meeting interrupted, due to the member's crowded schedule.
During the meeting, keep it short and focused! You will have 20 minutes or less with a staff person, and as little as 10 minutes if you meet with your elected official. Make the most of that brief time by sticking to your topic.
Members of Congress want to represent the best interests of their district or state. Wherever possible, demonstrate the connection between what you are requesting and the interests of the member's constituency. If possible, describe for the member how you or your group can be of assistance to him/her. Where it is appropriate, remember to ask for a commitment.
Be prepared to answer questions or provide additional information, in the event the member expresses interest or asks questions. Follow up the meeting with a thank you letter that outlines the different points covered during the meeting, and send along any additional information and materials requested.
To learn more about communicating with elected officials, visit www.capwiz.com/naifa/issues/basics.
Please visit www.capwiz.com/naifa to explore the many tools available in NAIFA's Legislative Action Center.
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