Lobbying tips – Meeting with Your Legislators

Meetings with legislators and/or members of their staff provide powerful evidence of your commitment to the issue of breast cancer research and remind the legislator that you are holding them accountable for their support on issues affecting breast cancer. These meetings provide an opportunity to educate the legislator about breast cancer issues and to thoroughly explain your position on the issues.

Members of Congress have staff and offices in Washington, DC and in their home state or district. The Washington, DC staff generally works on emerging and current legislative issues, and focuses on the technical aspects of legislation. Home state or district office staff often deal less with legislation directly and focus on constituent service activities. They provide a constant link between the Member of Congress and his/her constituents, and are therefore very interested in your point-of-view, yet may be less familiar with the specifics of legislation.

How to Arrange a Visit

Call the office of your legislator and ask for the Scheduler. Introduce yourself and briefly explain your reason for wanting to meet with the legislator. If you are a constituent, be sure to mention that fact. It will help you get a meeting with the legislator as opposed to a staff member. If you are not sure who your Senators or Representatives are, call 202-224-3121 (Senate) or 202-225-3121 (House) or log on to www.house.gov/writerep or www.senate.gov/senators/index.cfm. Remember, each American living in the 50 states has two Senators and one Representative. Each American in the District of Columbia and the territories (Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the American Samoa) has one non-voting Representative and no Senators.

Tips for Successful Visits

Know Your Legislators Record on Breast Cancer Issues

It is important to be informed on the legislator's position on breast cancer issues in order to frame your arguments. Also, be prepared to thank the legislator if he/she has been supportive in the past. Go to http://www.stopbreastcancer.org/bin/wapps/voterguide.asp?strid=21&depid=3&btnid=4 to access the National Breast Cancer Coalition's (NBCC) report on Congress' voting record.

Prepare For The Meeting

The meeting will probably be brief, especially if it is with the legislator. Therefore, it is essential that you make the most of your time. Clearly define the issues you want to discuss and plan the best way to present them. If three or more persons will be attending the meeting, designate a spokesperson who will lead the discussion and briefly summarize your concerns and position.

Staff Can Be Important Allies

Although a meeting with the legislator is always best, their schedules are often too hectic to allow for a personal meeting. However, their staff often makes important decisions about the issues the legislator gets involved in. In addition, they provide a filter of information for the legislator. It is important, therefore, to take meetings with staff seriously and to build positive working relationships with them.

Keep Your Message Focused

Be specific about what you want your legislator to do and make sure you are knowledgeable about the specific bills or initiatives that he/she can support.

Know Your Issues

Know the pros and cons of the arguments about breast cancer issues and legislation. Be prepared to answer questions which may arise from the opposite point of view. If you don't know the answer to a question, tell the Member or staffer that you'll get back to him/her. Then check facts on the Internet or call the NBCC office for a response ((800) 622-2838).

Be Persuasive

Use what you know about your legislator's views or experience to appeal to him/her.

Bring Materials

Bring a packet of materials about to support your positions. Include relevant news articles or other supporting materials to leave with your legislator.

Remember to Follow-Up

Always get the contact information (a business card if available) for the staff person you meet with so you can follow-up with any additional questions, as well as to confirm that a Member of Congress signs on to a bill if he/she has promised to do so.

Document the Meeting

It is very important to take notes that summarize the commitments, the legislator's views, and other pertinent information obtained at the meeting. If several representatives are attending the meeting, designate a notetaker to summarize major points.

Send a Thank-You Letter

Legislators should be thanked in writing for the meeting. In the letter, briefly re-iterate the issues of concern and any commitments obtained at the time of the meeting. Remember to always thank legislators for supporting our positions.