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Home » OMS Professionals » Government Affairs » Grassroots Involvement » Helpful Hints for Legislative Meetings

Helpful Hints for Legislative Meetings

Know your Lawmaker

The first step to successful communication is to know your lawmaker. You should know:

• Your lawmaker's political party
• Legislative committees he or she serves on
• Leadership positions he or she holds
• Voting record on issues of importance to you
• Personal facts (such as hometown, previous profession)

Address by title and last name

• "Senator" is always correct.
• "Representative" is always correct.
• "Congressman" is acceptable for a male.
• "Congresswoman" is acceptable for a female.
• "Mr. Chairman" or "Madam Chair" are appropriate — and show respect for a leadership position.

Staff are important — they are the "gateway" or "steel door" to the Member

• Often better versed on issues than Members.
• Young, but highly educated.
• Typically stay to meet with constituents when Members leave.
• Gain seniority quickly and often move from one member office to another.
• Sensitive about their place in the hierarchy.
• A negative impression will get back to Members — Don't make a bad impression with them!

YOUR staff is important too

• Refer to them as "office manager," "office staff," "Assistant," or "Nurse"
• NEVER call them "my girl" or "the girls."

Time is crucial!

• Be on time; Call ahead if you are running late. However, expect delays!
• Members may be called for a vote at any time.
• Emergency meetings or negotiations may intrude.

Stay on message

• Congressional offices are VERY busy and meet with many people each day — don't waste their time!
• Keep the message simple. Briefly and succinctly talk about how an issue affects your practice; give specific examples.
• Be credible. Members/staff often look to interest groups as a source of education. Don't misrepresent facts; don't misstate an opponent's position.
• Use talking points for guidance.
• Give the issue briefs to your lawmaker or to the staff person you are meeting with.

Other tips to a successful meeting

• Encourage questions. Afterwards, follow up with any information that your lawmaker requested during the meeting.
• Find out your lawmaker's position on an issue. Make your meeting an open exchange of ideas; be straightforward, but courteous in expressing your views.
• Ask for something specific. For example, "I hope you will vote in favor of H.R. 1234," or "Please consider the facts and reconsider your position on S. 222." Many lawmakers complain that many constituents never make it clear what they want.
• Thank the member for his or her time, even if he or she did not agree with you on the issues.
• Wrap up the meeting in about 15 minutes.

Finally

NEVER discuss individual or OMSPAC contributions. It is against federal election laws to discuss campaign contributions of any form in a federal office.