Scheduling the Meeting

• Call ahead to your legislator's office to arrange an appointment. You can find your legislators' background and telephone numbers on the Wisconsin Legislature website www.legis.state.wi.us.
• Mention that you are a constituent. Ask for a 15 minute meeting and note which legislation you wish to discuss. If your legislator cannot meet with you, ask to meet with a staffer.
• If you are meeting with more than one legislator, schedule the meetings 30 minutes apart.

• Know as much as possible about the legislator you are trying to influence ? party affiliation, committee assignments, and his/her position on the subject of the meeting, if possible. Memorize three key talking points and basic arguments for your position on the legislation.
• If you have a personal story related to the legislation, be prepared to relate that to the legislator so she/he will know how the bill affects real people.
• Prepare non-argumentative responses to specific points you may not agree with.
• It is good to bring a written statement to leave with your legislator at the end of the meeting.

• Thank your legislator graciously for his/her time. Say that you are a constituent. Be prepared to speak with a staffer if the legislator has been called away.
• State the reason for your meeting: ?I am here to speak with you about Senate Bill #___, dealing with Campaign Finance??
• State your position on the bill and the action you would like the legislator to take. Highlight how the issue impacts you or others in the district. If possible, tell a personal story.
• Ask where the legislator stands on the issue. If the legislator agrees with you, ask what she/he will do (e.g., be a sponsor; vote for/against; educate colleagues in the Assembly/Senate). If he/she does not agree with you, ask why.
• LISTEN. You may receive an answer that will surprise you and offer insight into how to advocate for your position.
• Confine your conversation to the specific legislation about which you are meeting.
• If you are representing a group, share how your group developed its position.
• Do not argue. Remember that intelligent, thinking people can hold and exchange differing views. You will be more effective in future dialogues if you build a respectful relationship with the legislator.
• If you are asked a question you cannot answer, promise to get the information to the legislator ? and then do so.

Following the Meeting

• Send a thank you note with more information about your topic and/or the piece of information you promised to find.
• Write up notes immediately after leaving the meeting while the information is still fresh in your mind. If you are representing a group, be sure to turn in your notes.
• Keep in touch with your legislators. Let them know when you appreciate how they vote, and when you do not. Legislators listen to their constituents!