How to Engage Legislative Members During the Legislative Session
Voters elect legislators to serve them. To do that, legislators must be approachable. Ideally, you will begin building relationships with your legislator long before a legislative session. If you haven’t and the session has begun, don’t let that stop your engagement. Starting now is far more important that waiting for the “perfect time.
”During the session legislators are expected to consider hundreds of bills in 45 days. Most legislators have no staff. Bill research comes from information they are getting from constituents, committee meetings, lobbyists, stakeholders and you. Anything you can do to share information honestly and concisely will be helpful.
As an individual citizen, opinions will carry the most weight with the Senator and Representative elected from your area. Most interactions should focus on those two individuals, because they were elected to represent you. Find out how your legislator likes to communicate: text, email, Facebook, Twitter, etc, and use it. If your legislator sends out a survey or other communication prior to or during the session, answer it.
If you are on the Hill during the session, great! Decide if you need a face-to-face with your legislator while on the Hill. If you do, try to arrange an appointment before you arrive.
If you don’t need a quiet face-to-face, engaging with your legislator through group activities, committee meetings and blue or green notes can all be effective.
There are many groups that organize and visit the Capitol during the session. Likely, there is a group that exists that is handling the subject(s) that are important to you. There is strength in numbers so connect with the groups that are honchoing your priorities. Take advantage of what the group has organized.
Group leaders may ask you to invite your legislators to a meeting (formal or informal) where information can be exchanged. The more invitations a legislator receives from different constituents, the higher a priority they will make that meeting.
At any given time a legislator might have 3-10 calendared items. So making your meet-up a priority might take many constituents. And even if your topic and your opinion is very important to your legislator, some other responsibility might have to take priority. Try not to be offended.
Consider speaking at a committee hearing. If your legislator is a member of the committee where a bill is being heard, identify yourself as a his constituent during your testimony.
If you want to try to connect with your legislator while on the Hill (or if you tried to make an appointment and your legislator said to send in a note), then send in a note. Blue and green notes can be found on the 3rd floor of the Capital at the sergeant-of-arms desk outside of the Senate chamber and the House chamber, respectively.
If you just want to leave your opinion on a matter for your legislator, include that in your note. Your legislator will read it. If you want to be seen, include that in your note. Notes are delivered immediately to the desk of each legislator when are having floor time. If a legislator is at her desk when she receives your note, she may come out to see you right away. If you are able to see your legislator during the session, be ready for the conversation. Be thorough and concise in your message. If you have strong, knowledgeable opinions, let your legislator know that she can turn to you. Be honest and transparent during interactions with a legislator. And expect the same in return.
Your legislator may not be able to immediately come out to see you. She may be with other constituents, have a bill coming to the floor, be in a meeting with another legislator, etc. There is a chance your legislator is not even at her desk when the blue note arrives. In this case, when she does see your note, you could be gone.
Most legislators are grateful to constituents and stakeholders for engaging in the political process. They appreciate the time people put into the political process, especially members of the public who are volunteering their time. You can send in notes to legislators that do not represent you, but many will prioritize you lower unless you are part of a larger group.
As the end of the session approaches, things get frantic on the Hill. Attempting to get the attention of a legislator at this point is difficult and sometimes impossible. If you choose to engage with your legislator during the legislative session, great! But understand the responsibilities your legislator has and keep your engagement expectations in check. Expecting a legislator to give you a great deal of attention during the session is unrealistic. Go here to see how to continue communicating with your legislator after the session ends.
Having realistic exceptions in place will help you have a more enjoyable and meaningful experience on Capitol Hill.