Meeting Your Legislator

Personal visits are a highly effective way to help legislators understand your position on an issue. Legislators welcome visits from constituents. They want you to be involved. However, they are busy people, so time is extremely valuable. Plan ahead and use the time well.


If you make an appointment when the Legislature is in session, remember that there is no guarantee that the legislator will be able to keep it. Legislative schedules change at a moment’s notice. Don’t take it personally - that’s just how it is.

The Crucial 90-second Speech...

Memorize a little speech before your meeting. It’s not only handy for talking to legislators, but it will serve you well when explaining your issue to anyone.

Your speech should include the following:
1) Who you are and any group or coalition you belong to.
2) The topic you came to talk about.
3) What you want them to do.

Take along your fact sheet.  It can be crucial if your meeting gets interrupted. You’ll still have gotten your point across, and the legislator will know how to find you or your group if they she/he has any questions. If you don't get interrupted, you can elaborate on the points in your fact sheet.
BEFORE THE MEETING
Make an Appointment
Make it Easy, offer several options
Prepare a FACT SHEET
Check out the legislators website 
Learn their stance on the issue
Be prepared! Explain how the bill affects you or other voters in their district
Dress Appropriately (Normal Business Attire)
During the Meeting
Be on time
Be prepared
Be polite
Be brief
Start with your 90-second speach
Give the legislator your fact sheet
Be firm by friendly
Stick to the issue
Don't degrade government or politics
Don't use jargon, technical terms or acronyms
Be HONEST, if you don't know the answer, admit it and tell them you will find out.
Be realistic, be willing to compromise
Offer to be helpful
Stay THANK YOU
Meeting Tip:
Oklahoma Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies