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answer any questions.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Always follow up with a call, e-mail, or note.</p>\n </li>\n</ul>","description":"<p>If you’re trying to meet with your Senator or Representative to lobby for a cause, these tips can help you prepare for your trip to Capitol Hill (or to your local government offices) and make a lasting first impression:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Be prompt, brief, and concise.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Know your goals.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Prepare the ground.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Do your homework.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Be courteous and calm.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Know your facts.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Offer assistance.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Provide data on the cost and economic impact of your proposal if you can.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Provide helpful 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Tips for Visiting a Member or Staffer of Congress

By: David Silverberg and Dennis Hastert and Tom Daschel and

Updated: 03-26-2016

From The Book: Congress For Dummies

Congress For Dummies

Explore Book Buy On Amazon

If you’re trying to meet with your Senator or Representative to lobby for a cause, these tips can help you prepare for your trip to Capitol Hill (or to your local government offices) and make a lasting first impression:

Be prompt, brief, and concise.
Know your goals.
Prepare the ground.
Do your homework.
Be courteous and calm.
Know your facts.
Offer assistance.
Provide data on the cost and economic impact of your proposal if you can.
Provide helpful written material and offer to answer any questions.
Always follow up with a call, e-mail, or note.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

Congress For Dummies ,

About the book authors:

David Silverberg is Managing Editor and a columnist at The Hill, a weekly newspaper that covers Congress.

This article can be found in the category:

American Government ,

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