The information on this page is available as a two-page PDF document.

How to plan a legislator visit
Stay in touch with legislators!
Document and share what you learned

WHO: A small group is usually best.  Start with your executive director and a board member.  As suits your organization, include a key program staff person, volunteer, and program participant who have a perspective on your work and can add value to the discussion.  Hold a preparation session to discuss the format for the meeting and your key messages.  Decide who will present information and ask and answer questions.

WHAT: Provide an opportunity for the legislator to see the actual work of your organization.  Keep this component lively.  Provide an honest look at your activities.  Then have a few key people sit down for a "kitchen table" type discussion.  Tell them about your work, but remember to have them tell you about their interests and priorities.

WHERE: Do your best to have the visit at your organization's site.  The legislator's office is a distant second choice but better than no meeting at all!

WHEN: NOW!  It is best to get meetings with legislators when the legislature is not in session.  But it is never too late to hold these meetings, it just may be more difficult to get them to your site.  It is worth the effort - your organization will benefit from being a "known partner."

MATERIALS: Keep it simple and useful.  Provide:
--An agenda for the meeting.
--A list of contacts at your organization for future use.  Identify who has information in specific issue areas.
--A one-page summary of your key messages.
--An annual report or other material that describes your work and its impact.
--A list of your board of directors.
--Reports that provide information useful in legislative debates.  No one can give elected officials "gifts," but informational materials are allowed and welcome.  Don't overload the legislator.

To find out who your legislators are visit the Secretary of State's website.

Document.  As you build relationships and ongoing communication with each legislator with whom you meet, keep a written record of the discussion for future reference (a site visit report form is available on our website).  Your notes might include:

• Who participated in the discussion
• Key ideas that you presented
• Legislator comments, questions, and ideas about your work
• Insights gained about the legislator's interests, priorities, and connection to nonprofit activity
• Materials distributed
• Follow-up commitments and plans

Share.  MCN will be tracking the progress of nonprofits in meeting the 500 visits goal.  Please notify MCN once you have completed a visit.  A site visit report form is available on our website, or email cmacklin@mncn.org, or call 651-642-1904 x233 or 800-289-1904 x233.  Please let us know what you have learned about legislators.  

(Last updated: June 15, 2004)
Questions? Comments? Contact Josh Winters at josh@mncn.org