Missouri Family Health Council

Tips on Meeting With Your Elected Officials

Plan Ahead. Call one or two weeks in advance to set up an appointment. If you are unable to secure an appointment, that is alright; you will just have to swing by. Prepare and review several talking points, and rehearse what you will say. If you are going as a group, designate one person to do the talking. Each person should introduce him/herself and briefly establish any credentials. Make a connection with the legislator if possible (i.e., “my daughter went to school with your daughter,” or “my aunt was your Sunday School teacher,” etc.)

If appropriate, thank the legislator for his/her past support of family planning and women’s health.
Present your information. Be clear, concise and brief in explaining the issue you want to discuss. Do not be intimidated by what you don’t know. It is perfectly acceptable to follow up with the legislator after you’ve returned home.
Support the need for women’s health care with personal stories and local examples from your community. If you consistently provide policymakers with good and timely information, they will trust you in the future as a knowledgeable resource.
Invite your legislator to visit your clinic during the legislative recess.
Leave business cards and other supportive materials behind.
If you meet with a staff person instead of the legislator, be sure to get his/her name and title. Use this person as your contact in the future.
Follow up. Send thank-you letters promptly and respond to questions that came up, if necessary. You could also take this opportunity to address any objections or concerns that were expressed during your meeting.