When meeting with your elected leader:

1. KISS: Keep it Short and Simple
The meeting should be brief and concise. Know why you are there, why the legislator should care, and what you want. If you are with a group of people, you may even want to designate one spokesperson. Go to the meeting with a short list of bullet points that you want to communicate.

2. Have your facts straight.
Spend a few minutes reading through materials and thinking about the issue so you have familiarized yourself with it before you meet with your legislator. Talk about how the legislator's constituents will benefit from the action you want. If the legislator asks you something you don't know, don't guess -find out the information and send it later.

3. Be on time, polite, and patient.
There is no quicker way to lose support for an issue than by being rude to legislators. BE NICE. Your legislator may have two committee meetings going on while he or she is supposed to be meeting with you and may be late. Don't' be offended -just be glad you have gotten some of the legislator's time and make the most of it. Don't show up unannounced or assail those individuals or organizations that oppose your issue. Attacking your legislator can only hinder your efforts.

4. If you go as a group, introduce your group members and note what connection each person may have to the legislator's district.
Make sure that the legislator knows your connection to his or her district -whether you are a constituent living in the district, a person working in the district, a person affected by the issue under consideration, and so forth.

5. Make the issue personal.
How does the issue affect children in your area? Senior citizens? The community? Your organization? You? Tell stories about how the issue affects the people in your legislator's district.

6. Be a resource.
Leave a one-page fact sheet with your representative covering your key messages. Include contact information so that the legislator or staff member can reach you with questions or notice that the issue is going to come up for action. If your legislator needs more information than you have with you, offer to obtain it. Be sure to follow up.

7. Before you leave, say "Thank You" again.
Leave some information for the legislator to read, but keep that information simple, too. Be direct by asking at the end of the meeting: "Will you support my cause?" His or her answer will determine your future efforts.

8. Make a note about what happened in your meeting and bring your report back to your organization.
It's important for you to share what you learn with your organization. Take a few minutes to jot down your impressions and any specific statements of support or opposition that the legislator made. Did the legislator give you any advice or display knowledge related to your issue?

9. Continue your relationship with your legislator.
When you get home, promptly send a note thanking your legislator for his or her time and giving other information about you or your organization that may be of interest. Invite the legislator to any events involving your organization or the issue that he or she may enjoy, learn from, or otherwise benefit from attending.

10. Provide opportunities for positive publicity.
(Photo opportunities, events, occasions to meet people). Invite your legislator to:

• Your annual meeting
• A public announcement of your season's activities
• Opening night gatherings
• Parades
• Any open houses or other events sponsored by your organization
• Grand openings
• Chamber of commerce or service club meetings

*source: Lobbying and Advocacy Handbook, MN Council of Nonprofits