Top Ten Tips for Meeting with your Legislator

Personal meetings with your elected representative can be the most effective advocacy tool. Such meetings demonstrate to your legislator that you care enough to take the time from your schedule to go Annapolis or Rockville. Most importantly you can humanize or rather put a face on the institution we care about, Montgomery College.

Don’t be intimidated. Such visits can be fun. Legislators like to see their constituents. Here are some tips for success. And, remember you can make a difference.

Here are tips to make the most of a personal meeting:

• Plan your visit carefully.
  • Make an appointment.
  • Have a clear and concise request.
• Be prompt.
• Be patient.
  • Legislators are often late.
• Know your facts.
  • Know the basics about Montgomery College.
• Tell your personal story.
  • Talk about the importance of Montgomery College to you.
  • Special programs, small classes, affordable.
  • Talk about teaching at Montgomery College.
  • Talk about how Montgomery College impacted your life.
• Know your legislator.
  • Know whom he/she represents.
  • Know their priorities.
  • Are they a friend of Montgomery College?
• Be responsive.
  • If asked a question, answer.
  • Be honest.
  • I don’t know is an appropriate answer.
• Be polite.
  • Remember first impressions are lasting.
  • Make a friend at least.
  • There will be other votes.
• Be brief.
  • See above.
  • Facts are important.
  • Don’t overwhelm them in a verbal tidal wave.
  • Leave background papers.
• Be sure to follow up.
  • Get that answer.
  • Provide additional information.
  • Write a follow up letter:
  • Restate your request.
  • Say thank you.
• Say thank you.
  • It’s polite.
  • You get more flies with honey than vinegar!
  • You might need their vote again.