Tips for Meeting with Your Legislator

Most legislators are eager to meet with their constituents. Your opinions are valuable to your lawmakers, and your meeting is likely to be very influential. Keep in mind that you don't have to be an expert to get your point across. The message you will bring to this meeting is that of a concerned, voting constituent.

To request a meeting with your senators and representatives, call your legislators' district or Washington, D.C., office. If your legislator is not available to meet with you, set up an appointment to meet with the legislative aide who works on education issues. These staff members have a great amount of influence on the legislator's position on education policies. To find your legislators' phone numbers, visit www.senate.gov for your senators or www.house.gov for your representative or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121 for the House of Representatives, and 202-224-3151 for the Senate.

Ask to speak with the appointments secretary or scheduler, introduce yourself as a constituent, and say where you live. Tell the appointment's secretary that you would like to discuss the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind with your lawmaker and request a meeting. We suggest a 15- to 30-minute appointment.

It is a good idea to send a follow-up letter confirming your appointment. Remember to include your name, address, and daytime phone number.

How to Meet with Your Members of Congress:
A Look at Getting the Education Message Across

A PowerPoint presentation by Mary Kusler, Assistant Director, Government Relations, American Association of School Administrators. Delivered at the 2006 PDK Summit on Public Education, Washington, D.C.