Legislative Day on the Hill 2005: Washington Face to Face

LOBBYING YOUR LAWMAKER IN PERSON

Personal meetings are a highly effective way of communicating with your lawmakers about proposed legislation. The face-to-face contact will help to cement the relationship you are trying to build with them. You might be nervous when you meet a lawmaker for the first time, but remember that lawmakers are just as eager to make a good impression on you.

As a constituent, lawmakers will want to put their best foot forward with you. Because you are a representative of a company or association, which has many of their constituents as members, you can do as much for them as they can for you. Remember that you are the expert on industry issues. Keep in mind the following suggestions when visiting your lawmaker.

MAKE A DATE. If possible, make an appointment in advance. If you make the appointment yourself by telephone, it might be easier for you to arrive at a mutually agreeable time and place for the meeting, and you will be less likely to be put off. Be prepared – many offices will ask for the request in writing. Include in the letter information on any issues you would like to discuss at the meeting. That way, the legislator will arrive informed, and you can spend more time discussing the issue.

MEET AT HOME. You may also contact members of your state legislature or Congress at their district offices to find out when they will be in the area and when you may meet with them “at home.” Better yet, invite them to your company or association – you will be on your home turf, and they will be impressed by your facilities.

JUST DROP IN. If an appointment is not possible, you can request to speak with a legislator while that legislator is on the House or Senate floor by making your request with the sergeant-at-arms. Because you may not receive the legislator’s full attention or much time with your legislator by doing this, it is always preferable to make an appointment, if possible.

PREPARE YOUR POSITION. Prior to the meeting, spend some time thinking about your goals for the discussion and anticipate your lawmaker’s questions and concerns. Going in with a good idea of what you would like to say will allow you to use the time more efficiently and effectively. Getting your lawmaker to commit to specific actions is preferable to general statements of support.

BE PERSISTENT. If the meeting is to take place at your legislator’s office and the legislator is not available, offer to wait. Do not leave and return unless you are given a specific time to come back and, then, do so only once. If the legislator is not available, offer to meet with the legislator’s staff person that handles the subject of your issue(s). Many staff members wield vast behind-the-scenes power, and a good relationship with the right staff person can be just as important as a relationship with the legislator.

STAY CONFIDENT. Come to the meeting prepared and organized, clearly identify yourself, state your purpose, and explain your position briefly, factually, directly, cordially, and in a nonthreatening, yet self-assured, manner. Stress the interests of your company or association members, and show how the public good can be served by support of your position.

BE RESPECTFUL. During the meeting, treat your legislator with respect but do not be intimidated. It is his/her job to meet with you and hear you out. Present your views with conviction, but do not put your legislator on the defensive.

HEAR THE LAWMAKER'S POINT OF VIEW. Cover your issue from your legislator’s point of view, tying it in with his or her past votes or interests. Listen closely to your legislators because sometimes they will give you clues as to how you can connect your issue with their concerns.

DON'T BLUFF. If you do not have a ready answer to a legislator’s question, do not be afraid to say so, and do not try to bluff your way out. Credibility is very important in advocacy. Tell the legislator that you will provide the information and then be certain to do so. PLANET is available to assist you in addressing any concerns your legislators may have.

ANTICIPATE (AND ACKNOWLEDGE) REBUTTALS. Try to anticipate the arguments that your opponents will raise and address those arguments candidly with your legislator. It will adversely affect your credibility if you leave a legislator with the impression that your view is not open to controversy when that is not the case.

BRING LEAVE-BEHINDS. If possible, come armed with a “fact sheet” or some other written document that you can leave with your legislator that includes a brief description of the issue, why it is important to your company or association, and the action that you want your legislator to take. Have a copy for his or her legislative aide.

ASK FOR SUPPORT. Ask your legislator for a firm commitment to support your position, but never become angry or argumentative with your lawmaker if he or she fails to support your position. Regardless of the answer, thank the lawmaker for his or her time.

ALWAYS OFFER THANKS. Follow up with a letter of thanks to the legislators, regardless of the legislators’ positions on your issue. In this letter, restate your position. This drives your point home and shows commitment to the cause. It is okay to express your disappointment if the legislators are not on your side of the issue, but do so in a courteous way because you may need to ask them for assistance again later.