How do I set up visits with my legislators?
Below are some easy steps for setting up appointments and making visits with your lawmakers on Capitol Hill. You are encouraged to follow these instructions for successful meetings. Remember: you are the constituent and the expert!
- Find out about your legislators.
Learn everything you can about your Senators and Representative by visiting ASHA's Take Action site and viewing the Elected Officials in your district. Locate your Senators and your Representative. You can also learn about their respective backgrounds and legislative interests.
- Contact your Representative and Senators.
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to a legislator's office. Request that the Appointment Scheduler set up a meeting on the day you'll be in Washington. Try to schedule your meetings 3 – 4 weeks in advance, if possible. (You may be asked to fax a request in addition to your oral request. The office will give you their fax number.)
- Explain who you are and why you want to meet.
ASHA staff can tell you what the top legislative issues are at any given time, and this may help the Scheduler determine which congressional staff should attend the meeting if your legislator is unavailable or is called away on other legislative business. Typically, these will be health and education issues.
- Confirm your appointment(s).
Send this information to ASHA so that we can have the appropriate materials available at your briefings.
- Be prepared for your visit.
Review the issue briefs/talking points to become familiar with the issues, including how they affect your patients, students, or the professions. Know all sides of the argument. Bring business cards and any "drop off" materials that ASHA has provided for you to leave with legislators.
- Be prompt and patient for your visit.
Lawmakers have very busy schedules, so you'll need to be on time and flexible. Keep your visits to 15 minutes or less.
- Be to the point, politic and polite during the meeting.
Then ask for something to be done. Concentrate on one or two issues, and request that the legislator take a specific action, such as co-sponsoring a bill. State your position clearly and concisely. Express your views reasonably and do not argue.
- Follow up after your visits.
Complete post-visit report form [PDF] and return them to ASHA. Send thank-you letters to your legislators, emphasizing key points and following up with any requested information. If you met with helpful staff, let the legislator know. Ask to be kept informed about the issues you discussed.
- Continue to be an advocate for the professions.
Continue building relationships with lawmakers by offering to host visits at your work site, attending a local fundraiser, and making visits to their Capitol Hill offices the next time you're in Washington.
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