Always Remember

• If you represent a program, invite program participants. They are in the best position to explain the benefits of your program.
• Keep it positive.
• Be prepared. Practice what you will say in the meeting. Anticipate questions that might be asked and practice answering them.
• Arrive on time and stay in the meeting until the end.
• Take care of business before the meeting starts (i.e. bathroom, phone calls, cell phone off, hang up coat).
• Treat staffers and legislators with equal respect.

Before Visiting with Legislators

• Know the status of budget.
• Know "the ask:" how much does your program need and how will you spend it.
• Have a briefing. Provide tip-sheets with key facts and messages to everyone who is going into the meeting.
• Participate in role playing exercises. More experienced advocates will know what to expect from legislators and their staffs.

How to Dress

• Wear comfortable shoes. If you have several meetings scheduled, you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Wear interview attire.
• Dress neat and clean.
• Represent your culture.

When Speaking

• Be polite. Thank the legislator and his or her staff for their time.
• Remember legislators' titles and use them.
• Stick to your key messages.
• Avoid acronyms and program jargon.
• Speak from your heart.
• Give families and participants in your program time to offer their perspective.

What to Tell Legislators

• Who you are and why you are there.
• The purpose of the program you represent and the services it offers.
• The number of families your program serves.
• How the program has benefited the families and communities in your legislator's constituency.
• Current limitations and expansion requests.
• How important legislators are to the growth of your program.
• The consequences of funding cuts; how many families will lose services if your program loses funding.
• Child abuse prevention is an investment. Investing in preventing abuse before it happens is much less expensive than intervening and treating the consequences of abuse after it has already occurred.

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