Before & During the Meeting

Before the Meeting

Know Your Legislator

Be prepared to appeal to his/her personal, professional, and legislative concerns. For starters, learn something about the district and the member's election record. How did he/she vote on other prevention and treatment issues? On similar issues? What personal information may be useful? Both the Almanac of American Politics (National Journal) and Politics in America (Congressional Quarterly), available at major libraries, provide useful background information on members of Congress. You can also use CADCA's CapWiz system or Project Vote-Smart to determine how your members have voted on key issues. Talk to friends who may know the lawmaker and his/her interests. Use this information to develop a realistic sense of what you can expect to accomplish during the meeting.

Plan Ahead

Find out about the member's home schedule, and make an appointment for your coalition to meet with your Representative or senators when they are at home. Be sure to tell the scheduler the purpose of the meeting. Fax (unless you are directed to email) the office brief summary information and a list of people who will attend the meeting. In addition, find out if your legislator conducts "town hall" meetings. At those gatherings, you can raise your concerns in public, perhaps with the media present.

Speak With a Unified Voice

Recruit leaders from local coalitions, VIPs, and articulate program participants and alumni who know the value of the programs to attend the meeting. Plan and decide your strategy with participants well in advance of he meeting. Designate a facilitator and a note taker who will record everything the member says during the meeting.

During the Meeting

Have Clear, Limited Goals

Keep the discussion to one message and one or two main points. Be specific about what you want the lawmaker to do. Repeat your message in as many different ways as possible.

Provide Succinct Written Materials and Helpful Visual Aides

Focus on how prevention and treatment programs meet critical community needs. Point to success stories and to programs that have generated productive citizens and saved taxpayer expenditures. Demonstrate that:

1. Prevention and treatment programs save money
2. Treatment and prevention programs work
3. Much of the community relies on the prevention and treatment services that your program provides

Make the Most of Any Opportunity For Small Talk

Use introductions strategically to create a personal rapport and relationship. Use your knowledge of the member's background to develop common ground.

Sample Agenda for Congressional Meetings

1. Designate one person to be the primary spokesperson for the meeting.
2. Be brief with your introductions.
3. Discuss the major accomplishments of your program—highlight outcomes, key groups involved, and number of volunteers.
4. Use the Facts to Know and Use provided by CADCA, as well as CADCA Legislative Alerts to educate your member about legislative priorities for the 111th Congress.
5. Mention that CADCA represents your coalition in Washington, DC.
6. Ask how you can continue a working relationship with the member and his/her staff on alcohol and drug abuse issues. Invite the legislator to make a personal visit.

Materials to Leave with Members or Staffers

1. A one-pager describing your coalition/program. This document should highlight successful and innovative programs.
2. Sample publications, posters, t-shirts from your group.
3. Relevant CADCA Legislative Alerts