1. ​Call the legislator's office. ​The best opportunity to set up a meeting is during a legislative recess​. If the legislator is unable to meet, ask to meet with their staff person handling the issue.
   


2. Make an appointment
   
   • State the name and or number of the bill or issue and your position.
     
   • State your attendees' names, addresses, and affiliations. Notify the office in advance of any changes in this list.
     
   • Confirm the meeting date, time, attendees, purpose, and background in writing.​
     
3. Prepare for the meeting
   • ​Plan on the meeting lasting between 15-30 minutes.
     
   • Develop a one-page position paper and make copies to distribute at your meeting.
     
   • Educate yourself about the official - their background, political philosophy and the number of community associations in their district.
     
   • Consider what questions may be asked and develop answers to those questions.​
     
4. Be flexible - Legislator's schedules often changed due to urgent meetings, hearings or votes so your meeting many be canceled or delayed. You can always ask to meet with a staff person responsible for the issue.

During the Visit

1. ​​​​​Arrive 5-10 minutes prior to the meeting.
   


2. Briefly introduce yourself and other attendees. 
• ​Let the legislator know how many individuals reside in your association(s).
  
• Mention that you are a constituent and member of CAI.​
  
3. Clearly explain your issue.
• Use layperson's terms.
  
• Use personal experiences to describe how the issue affects you or your community.
• ​Do not read from your position paper.
4. ​ Ask if the official has any questions. Then ask directly for his or her support.
   • Pay attention to the response. He or she might be talking with several groups about the issue to determine their position.
     
   • Never argue or act combative with the legislator or staff person.​
     
5. At the end of the meeting be gracious and the legislator or staff member for his or her time:
   • Sum up any commitments made by the legislator.
     
   • Offer to provide further information or a meeting with other residents.
     
   • Leave your written position paper.​
     

After the Visit​​​​

1. ​Write a personal thank you note to the legislator and any staff with whom you met. Briefly restate your position and include any additional information that may have been requested. Provide a summary of your understanding of the outcome of the meeting.
   
   
2. ​Maintain contact with the legislator as the issue progresses. Continue to provide feedback or input to remind the legislator or staff person of your ongoing interest in the issue. ​