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  For more information and registration please go to www.womensorganizations.org/wescad 

Appointments: Meeting with a Member of Congress

Thousands of people call the Capitol Hill switchboard every day – but only a handful come to meet with Members of the United States Congress and their staffs face to face.  You will need to set up your own appointments, but below we have compiled tips on scheduling, preparation, the meeting itself, and follow-up.  We hope you find this information helpful.  Feel free to edit it or add information you think will be useful to other conference attendees. 

PART 1: Scheduling an Appointment

Click on the link above for detailed information, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, about scheduling your appointment.  Don't have time to read it all?  Here are the most important points to remember:

• Call your legislator's appointment or scheduler to make your appointment.  Find the contact information online at www.house.gov or www.senate.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard, 202-224-3121 (for Senators) or 202-225-3121 (for Representatives).
• Specify:
  • the date and time of your visit;
  • the number of people in your group (between 4 and 6 is a good size)
  • what you want to discuss
• Re-confirm the meeting time a week in advance and then again on the morning of the meeting.

PART 2: Preparing for the Meeting

Click on the link above for detailed information, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, about preparing for your meeting.  Don't have time to read it all?  Here are the most important points to remember:

• Select a primary spokesperson for your group, and decide who else will be speaking.
• Decide on any materials you may want to take with you.
• Do your homework!  Be prepared to answer specific questions your legislator or her/his staffer may have. 

PART 3: The Meeting

Click on the link above for detailed information, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, about conducting the meeting.  Don't have time to read it all?  Here are the most important points to remember: 

• Do not be late!
• Make a clear request - e.g., "Senator Jones, will you co-sponsor the XYZ bill?"
• In wrapping up the meeting, clearly state your understanding of what your legislator (or the staff) has promised.
• Leave promptly.

PART 4: Following-up after the Meeting

Click on the link above for detailed information, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, about follwoing up after the meeting.  Don't have time to read it all?  Here are the most important points to remember:

• Fulfill any promises you made during the meeting, such as answering a question your legislator had, or providing additional information.
• Send a thank-you note, via email or fax, which clearly states your understanding of what your legislator (or the staff) promised.
• Follow up with a phone call a week after sending the thank-you note. 

  For more information and registration please go to www.womensorganizations.org/wescad 

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