NAESP 2010 Advocacy Campaign Webinar Presentation on Background and Tips for Capitol Hill Visits June 30,

Scheduling Your Capitol Hill Visits  Try to schedule at least three meetings -- with your Member of Congress and the Senate offices  Provide NAESP with your appointment sheet as soon as possible  Confirm the meeting with staff in the Washington office 2

Review the Background Materials Overall ESEA Reauthorization Issues Specific Principal Provisions: Strengthening ESEA for Principals through Professional Development – Early Childhood – Mentoring Please visit for more informationwww.naesp.org/advocacy 3

Tell Your Story!! Provide the Members and staff with background about your school and the issues you face Describe compelling facts about your schools, the students, and their families – but keep it relevant Share your success! 4

Make an “Ask” Tell the Member of Congress, Senator and their staff your request for policy changes (see background materials) Tell them how the policy change would help you do your job Ask if there are any questions you can answer Provide contact information 5

Build the Relationship! → Send a thank you after the meeting → Offer to answer any questions related to principals and schools → Invite the Member and staff to visit your school when they are in the district 6

Other Items…  Provide meaningful follow up -- materials, such as descriptions of programs of interest to the Member or staff person.  Wear comfortable shoes and expect short meetings with busy staff – even standing in the hallway.  Expect long lines at security – don’t bring your laptops to the Hill. 7

Questions? Need Assistance? Contact: Abbie Evans at or Kelly Pollitt at 8