1. Effective Meetings with Legislators
Southern New England Advocacy Conference
February 24, 2019

2. “Relationships, Relationships, Relationships.”
(Once again, it's all about...)

3. Before the Meeting Do your homework!
What is their professional background?
Do they have kids? Where do they go to school?
When did they get elected? How long have they served?
What committees are they members of or have they been a part of?
What kinds of legislation have they introduced / passed (if any)?
What kind of issues do they care about based on their statements / history?
Plan out your agenda and talking points with backup information
Lay out the order of your issues
PRACTICE!!!

4. Effective Meetings / Communications
Always introduce yourself
Stick to your outline
Assign a Spokesperson for each issue and / or a facilitator
Talk about each issue succinctly and concisely and SHARE Personal Examples and Stories and Impacts
Do not make anything up, do not answer any questions you don’t know
Give your contact information and get theirs (always follow up)
Don’t become pen pals
Be a Resource for them
Invite them to your facility / events

5. Considerations
You may meet with a staff member OR the elected official or both
You may start with staff and elected official may join
Definitely assign a facilitator, follow ORDER of talking points
These are YOUR meetings
Be prepared for worst case scenario and the real meeting will be easy!
Designate someone to answer questions
Be on time, know where you are going, leave time for security
Take notes, connect the dots
Leave behinds
Make sure one person per team / group follows up

6. Thank you for wanting to be an Advocate!
Democracy requires an informed and engaged citizenry!

7. Questions?

8. More Information
Sign up for the FIRST Advocacy Network –
Make plans to attend the NAC in June 2019 –
New early registration incentives! Register by April 1, –
Contact me with any questions! Steve Hyer
Welcome: Introduce yourself, Tell us about your kids, What do you hope we can deliver in this group?
Introduction: History of Parent Trips, Possible testimonials from 2 to 3 participants, Outcomes (Relationships and Engagement and Future Action), Desire to engage our entire community
Clarkston Champions – What is it? Collection of individuals who want to impact positive change for our kids and our community (local, state, nation)