Meeting with your legislator

Tips

  • Bring resources. You can use a fact sheet available in our resources section or make your own.
  • Send a follow-up email. If your meeting is virtual, use email to provide references and contact information.
  • Be sure to say thank you. You can send an email or mail a handwritten note.
  • Tag them on social media. Consider taking a photo with the legislator and share it on social media.
  • Create an agenda. Assign specific segments of the conversation to different people on your team.
  • Don’t forget the facts. Sharing data about child care makes personal stories even more powerful.
  • Prepare a two-minute elevator pitch. Be ready with a quick two-minute pitch in case your meeting is cut short.
  • Be the expert. Don’t assume the legislator or their staff know about child care. Be ready to educate and inform.
  • Keep it personal…and local. Share stories that relate to your experience and talk about the needs of your community.

Sample Meeting Agenda:

  1. Introduce yourself and other members of the group. Include your name, your organization/role, and the town where you live and/or work.
  2. Briefly tell the legislator and/or their staff about yourself or your organization. Share the mission of your organization and how it is connected to child care and early learning.
  3. Discuss the policy issue or piece of legislation that interests you. Consider using the Hook-Line-Sinker approach for structuring your conversation.

Step 1: The HOOK

A hook introduces you, your background, and the issue you are focusing on. Let people know the reason you are speaking to them.

Step 2: The LINE

Tell a story about how the issue has affected you and why you care. The line is most effective if you make it personal.

Step 3: The SINKER

Sink the message with your audience or target by letting them know specifically what you want and what they can do to make your goals a reality.

  • Make a clear ask. Be specific about what you want your legislator to do.
  • Share the resources you brought with you. If additional questions remain, let them know how you will be following up or responding.
  • Thank the legislator and/or their staff for the meeting.