Tips for Scheduling a Meeting with Your Members of Congress

Most people do not realize that Members of Congress regularly meet with their constituents one-on-one, all you have to do is schedule an appointment.  The meeting can take place in Washington, D.C. or in the Member's district/state office(s). 

Meeting your federal officials face-to-face is probably the most effective form of advocacy.  Here are some tips on setting up an appointment and how to conduct a meeting with your Members of Congress or their staff.

1. Make an Appointment
   • Call the Member's Washington, D.C. or district/state office and ask to speak to the scheduler.
   • Explain to the scheduler that you are a constituent and would like to schedule a meeting with the Member.  Be clear about which office you want to meet at.
   • The scheduler may ask for the meeting request to be made in writing - make certain that you receive a clear explanation of the office procedure for making a meeting request.
   • Be persistent and patient – they are very busy, so you will need to follow up.
   • You may meet with the Member's staff rather than the Member.  Securing a meeting with the Member’s staff is NOT an insult – take advantage of the meeting to make your case.
2. Be Prompt, Patient, and Polite
   • You have to be on time for the meeting; the Member and/or his/her staff do not.
   • Anger is not an effective advocacy tool, so focus on the positive.
3. Be Prepared and Concise
   • You probably have no more than 15 minutes to tell your story and make your case.
   • Make sure that you have your facts straight - you may want to prepare "talking points" for yourself.
4. Be Responsive
   • Answer any questions to the best of your abilities.
   • If you do not know the answer to something, say so and offer to get back to them.
   • Provide “Leave-Behind” materials (e.g., a "one-pager" on the SMA Treatment Acceleration Act).
   • Offer yourself as a resource to the Member and his/her staff.
5. Follow Up!
   • Collect business cards from everyone in the meeting.
   • Write detailed thank you letters to the Member and staff.
   • Hold the Member and his/her staff accountable (they work for you) - regularly follow up if specific action was promised and not delivered.  Be firm but polite.
   • Let Families of SMA know about your meeting and the outcome.