1. Visiting with Your Legislators
Special Education Legislative Summit
July 12, 2016

2. Tips for the Day
Wear comfortable shoes. You may be doing a lot of walking!
Be prepared to go through metal detectors and security lines.
The schedule is unpredictable. You may have to wait through no fault of the Member of Congress or their staff.
Keep the contact information for the offices you are visiting with you. Should you be delayed, call the office and let them know.
If in a large group – identify speakers for your group.
Be prepared to give your business card to the assistant at the front desk and the person you are meeting with.

3. Things that May Surprise You
Youthful Staffers
Meeting Location
Meeting space is limited
Nontraditional locations (hallway, cafeteria)
Meeting Length
Approx. 30 minutes
Important to be clear and concise
Youthful Staffers: You may be surprised by the youthful appearance of many staffers. Keep in mind, however, they are trusted advisors to Members of Congress and some of the best and brightest in the Washington D.C. area
Meeting Location: Don’t be surprised if you meet in a non-traditional location: hallway, cafeteria. Meeting space in Congressional Offices is extremely limited
Meeting Length: Expect short meetings: 30 minutes sometimes less. Therefore, it is very important to be clear and concise in your messaging.

4. Meeting Pointers Introductions Conclusion
Introduce yourself – your professional role, overview of children you work with, etc.
Key Legislative Issues
Choose 2-3 issues to discuss, you will not be able to cover all eight
Conclusion
Thank them for their time
Ask them what would be the best way to follow up with them

5. Meeting Pointers Avoid special/gifted education jargon or acronyms
Congressional staff have multiple responsibilities
Familiarity with our issues may vary
Be an honest broker
Your credibility is EVERYTHING
It’s okay if you don’t know the answer; Tell them you will get back to them; Relay the question to CEC staff and we will be sure to get back to them.

6. Meeting Pointers Advocacy Packets
Serve as a framework for your meetings
Hand staff the information from the packets
Discuss 2-3 issues included & reference other issues of concern are included.

7. Taking your message to Capitol Hill
Make it personal
YOU are special/gifted education’s best advocate
Connect with your legislators
Where are you from?
Where do you teach/work with children/research?
Why did you become a special /gifted educator?
Convey the link between policy and children & youth with exceptionalities and their families
You are their constituents

8. Meeting Pointers Be respectful of the staffers time
Offer yourself as a resource
Leave your packet with the staff
Ask when and how to follow up with them
Ask them for business card for follow up
Ask to take a photo with them – then share it with CEC!

9. What else is going on?
Ask your members of Congress for a pass to sit in the Senate and House Gallery to watch the action on the floor!

10. Do your Homework
Take 15 minutes to learn a little bit about the offices you are visiting.
Use the Legislative Action Center to do some research
Are they already a cosponsor of the legislation? Then thank them!
Visit their website to see if they highlight issues that can be related back to special/gifted education or to establish common ground.

11. Most Importantly… YOU are the EXPERT
Convey your passion for children with exceptionalities
Express your concerns
Have FUN!

12. Getting Around
10-15 Minute walk from Union Station to Senate Office Buildings
2-5 Minute walk from Capitol South Metro to House Office Buildings
15 Minute walk from Senate Office Buildings to House Office Buildings

13. What NOT to do!

15. You Are the Heroes!

16. GO TEAM!