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Tips for Visiting a Member or Staffer of Congress

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2016-03-26 21:27:41
How Washington Actually Works For Dummies
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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: 

About the book author:

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

Dennis Hastert is a Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and co-wrote the foreward for Congress For Dummies.

Tom Daschle is a former Minority Leader of the United States Senate and co-wrote the foreward for Congress For Dummies.