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Legislators will welcome a chance to meet informally.  Your organization will benefit if the official takes away both: a) information about the work that you do and the community that you serve, and b) positive feelings about the organization and a personal connection to you and your mission.  Your future contacts with the legislator will be strengthened by everything you learn about the legislator-from issue priorities to the way they want to be contacted in the future.

Checklist for the visit

Did the legislator enjoy:
A chance to see the actual work of the organization.  Watching performance artists in rehearsal, childcare providers with families, literacy coaches with an adult learner-even for a few minutes-will convey a great deal about your work.  Keep this component of the visit lively and ensure that it provides an honest look at your work.  Be sure there is still adequate time for a sit-down discussion.

A discussion with a small number of participants who represent diverse aspects of your nonprofit-staff, board, volunteer, program participant, donor.  This small group can convey your key information and messages in a conversational, friendly setting.  Sitting around a "kitchen table" invites a real exchange of ideas.

Brief, clear, information in a congenial setting.  Be prepared to tell the legislator what you do, who you serve, what impact you have in their district and in the state.  Provide highlights and let them ask questions.  More detailed information can always be given in the form of annual reports or brochures.

Strong key messages.  Consider: what do you want the legislator to know about you?  Key messages may be: You are experts in (your issue area here).  Your work benefits people and makes the community a better place.  Your partnerships with state and county government are key to the stability of the community.  You are a resource to legislators and can provide information and stories about "real people" when they are addressing legislation that relates to your work.

A chance for the legislator to ask questions and tell you about her/his interests and priorities.  Tell them about your work, and then ask, "What are your interests?  What are you planning to work on this session?"  Listen!  Ask more questions.  You will learn things about the legislator that will help you understand how to appeal to her/his interests and how to communicate most effectively.

An offer of help.  Let the legislator know that you will stay in touch and that you are available if they need your help.  One "take away" should be a name and phone numbers for one or more contact people in your organization.

(Last updated: June 15, 2004)
Questions? Comments? Contact Christina Macklin at cmacklin@mncn.org