Steps Two and Three instructions:
Step 2
How to Prepare for the Meeting
1. Your representatives office will coordinate the meeting. Some staffers offer a number of time slots that you can pick from. Be attentive, and answer their emails in a timely fashion.
2. Thank them for coordinating the meeting and provide your email and phone number in all correspondence. If you have people joining you, provide their names and contact information. Forward your information packet with the email. (We will be getting packets together soon)
3. Practice your meeting with a friend or in front of the mirror. Be sure to time yourself.
4. The day of your meeting be early; they are on a schedule and can’t go past the time reserved for you. Be sure to have their phone number in case of a last minute problem.
5. When your meeting starts introduce yourself and supporting team, where you live and if you can, personalize your story. Example: "I was raised out west and wild horses have always brought so much joy to our family."
6. Always end with your asks. Decide what your asks are before the meeting, two or three are best.
YOU DID IT! CELEBRATE!
Step 3
The Follow up
1. Follow up the next day with a thank you email.
Example: 'Thank You for taking the time to listen to my concerns and information on the bill to end helicopter round ups and the wild horse issues. I am forwarding the information again on the key issues we discussed. I will be following up with you but please contact me if you have questions.'
2. The next follow up will be in 7 to 10 days, asking them if they have made a decision to cosponsor your bill and/or taken action on your concerns. Remember, you are building a relationship and always be polite even with a no answer.
3. Reach out to them to keep them updated on the issue.
Congratulations! You are an effective advocate for our native wild horses.
Return to Conference Lobbying 101 Step One here
Step 2
How to Prepare for the Meeting
1. Your representatives office will coordinate the meeting. Some staffers offer a number of time slots that you can pick from. Be attentive, and answer their emails in a timely fashion.
2. Thank them for coordinating the meeting and provide your email and phone number in all correspondence. If you have people joining you, provide their names and contact information. Forward your information packet with the email. (We will be getting packets together soon)
3. Practice your meeting with a friend or in front of the mirror. Be sure to time yourself.
4. The day of your meeting be early; they are on a schedule and can’t go past the time reserved for you. Be sure to have their phone number in case of a last minute problem.
5. When your meeting starts introduce yourself and supporting team, where you live and if you can, personalize your story. Example: "I was raised out west and wild horses have always brought so much joy to our family."
- Remember to always be polite and never give false information. If you don’t know an answer, tell them you will get back to them. Remember to relax and tell them this is your first time, if so.
6. Always end with your asks. Decide what your asks are before the meeting, two or three are best.
- I would like her/him to support Bill HR 6635
- Be sure to end with the question of the action you want them to take. (Do you know if he supports this Bill?). Wait for an answer. Ask them if you can contact them again for the answers and to see if they have any questions. Usually the answer is yes.
YOU DID IT! CELEBRATE!
Step 3
The Follow up
1. Follow up the next day with a thank you email.
Example: 'Thank You for taking the time to listen to my concerns and information on the bill to end helicopter round ups and the wild horse issues. I am forwarding the information again on the key issues we discussed. I will be following up with you but please contact me if you have questions.'
- Include your contact information
2. The next follow up will be in 7 to 10 days, asking them if they have made a decision to cosponsor your bill and/or taken action on your concerns. Remember, you are building a relationship and always be polite even with a no answer.
3. Reach out to them to keep them updated on the issue.
Congratulations! You are an effective advocate for our native wild horses.
Return to Conference Lobbying 101 Step One here