New advocacy volunteer training

Heather Hall, ACT Lead, District 9 - CJ Heisler, ACT Lead, District 7 - Michigan

Tips for a successful legislative meeting

Share your cancer connection

Write bullets so you see your story in

short, concise information.

This can help when it’s time to

verbalize your story.

Meeting tips

• Be on time.

• Be brief , share your story and be clear on your ask

• Stay on message/topic

• Be polite, listen carefully to the representative/ staffer’s views and comments

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Meeting tips

• Summarize responses from the representative /staffer to ensure you’re clear on where they stand on the issues

• Close the meeting successfully - say thank you and let them know you’ll be following up (picture time!)

• Follow up with thank you note or email

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After the meeting

• Follow up with a thank you note or email

• Post your picture to social media, tag your representative, let your family, friends & followers know about our issues

• Report back to ACS CAN on the meeting –legislator/staffer’s feedback, thoughts on the issue, anything relevant

Frequently asked questionsHow do I share my story? How long should my story telling part be?

• Share from the heart. It’s your story. It should not be more than a few minutes. Practice before your meeting to keep it short and simple.

What do I need to remember?

• Remember your story and why are you are advocating. Stories are remembered. Make it personal.

Do I need to know bill numbers?

• No. If you do know them or the name of the bill, that’s great. But you don’t need to memorize them. That info will be on the information given to the legislator.

What happens if they ask a question and I don’t know the answer?

• It’s ok to not know the answer! Simply say, “I’m not sure the correct answer for that so I will follow up with the staff at ACS CAN and get back to you on that.” (Make sure you do follow up.)

Is it ok if I have short notes in my meeting?

• Yes you can have short notes. That is where you can have bill numbers and names.

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Frequently asked questions cont’dI’m meeting with a staff member, not my legislator. Do staff really communicate my concerns?

• NEVER say ”oh it’s just staff.” The staff and legislator talk about almost everything. Treat the staff the same as you would your legislator.

How should I respond when my legislator says a flat out no?

• Not everyone will agree with nor support the issues. If your legislator says no, thank her/him for the time the spent with you today and ask if there is anything you could provide to help change their mind.

What do I say if my legislator strays off topic?

• Try to bring them back to topic (example: “That’s not what I’m here to talk about today,” then get back on topic). You have limited time with your legislator. Make the most of it and remember the purpose of your meeting.

I didn’t vote for this legislator - should I mention that?

• Work to find commonality and build a relationship. No matter how you voted, we’re united in advocating on behalf of cancer patients. Your voting history isn’t relevant to that mission and should not be discussed during this meeting.

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Frequently asked question cont’dCan I take pictures in the meeting?

• Yes and share on social media and tag your legislator. ALWAYS ask permission to take pictures though.

Am I meeting with the legislator alone?

• There may be other advocates from your district also attending the virtual meeting. If no one else from your district is signed up, a seasoned advocacy volunteer or ACS CAN staff member will sit in on the meeting with you.

How do I know when my meeting(s) will be held and who else is participating in the meeting with me?

• ACS CAN staff will be scheduling the virtual legislative meetings and let you know the details, including if anyone else from your district will be participating on the call.

How will my legislator get materials/information on the issues and asks?

• Since this is a virtual meeting, ACS CAN will ensure materials are provided to legislators and staff.

Is there anything I should do after my meeting?

• FOLLOW UP. Make sure to send either a handwritten card or email thanking them for taking the time to meet with you and speak with you about the issues. If they requested more information, make sure that gets to them.

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