Setting Up a Meeting

Meeting with your member of Congress can be a valuable opportunity to advocate for wolves and other wildlife. Here are some tips to help you prepare and make the most of your meeting.

Preparation

Research Your Member of Congress:

  • Understand their stance on the issues you care about.

  • Review their voting record, public statements, and committee assignments.

    • Senate.gov: Senate roll call vote tallies are posted online within an hour of the vote. You can view today's votes or use the vote tables to look at any roll call vote taken since the 101st Congress (1989). In addition to vote tallies, the entries also provide brief descriptions of the votes and links to Congress.gov for the texts of the legislation.

    • House.gov: House roll call vote tallies are posted online directly following the vote. You can view votes from this Congress or use the archives to look at any roll call vote taken since the 101st Congress, 2nd session (1990). In addition to vote tallies, the entries provide brief descriptions of the votes.

    • Congress.gov provides Senate recorded floor votes going back to the 101st Congress (1989-90) and House recorded floor votes going back to the second session of the 101st Congress (1990). To access votes using Congress.gov search for a bill and click on the "Actions" tab. All House and Senate roll call votes will be listed with links to the House and Senate's web pages.

    • Congressional Record: The Congressional Record is the official source of information on recorded floor votes.  Votes are printed in the daily Record as they occur on the floor. The votes provide an alphabetical listing of members under “yea,” “nay,” and “not voting” categories and show the overall tally for each category. However, votes are not identified by party or by state. The Daily Digest section that is printed at the end of each Record shows how many roll call votes were taken that day and show on what page in the Record the votes can be found. The Congressional Record Index provides subject access to the votes (under “Votes in Senate” and “Votes in House.”)

Schedule the Meeting

1. Finding Your Local Office

Choose the office that is closest and most convenient for you. Visit their websites to locate their district office locations.

2. Initial Outreach to Schedule the Meeting

Each office has its own procedure for scheduling constituent meetings. The best approach is to call the main number of the local office and politely ask about the process for scheduling a meeting.

Sample Phone Script:

"Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent of [Member of Congress or Senator]. I’m calling to schedule a meeting to discuss federal wolf policy. Could you please let me know the best way to arrange a brief meeting with [Member of Congress or Senator] or a member of [his/her] staff?”

Often, you may be directed to fill out an online request form. If so, follow the office's instructions and complete the form, arranging the meeting for a date and time that works for you.

Know the Issue

  • Be well-informed about the issue you want to discuss.

  • Prepare factual data, personal stories, and specific examples to support your position.

Set Clear Objectives:

  • Know what you want to achieve from the meeting.

  • Have a specific ask (e.g., support or oppose a bill, co-sponsor legislation, etc.).

    • Right now (7/1/24) we are encouraging Senators to VOTE NO on S.1895, the wolf delisting bill inaccurately titled the, “Trust the Science Act”

    • We are asking members of Congress to ensure stronger protections for wolves and other wildlife against cruelty, sighting what happened in Daniel, Wyoming.

Practice Your Pitch:

  • Rehearse your main points and practice delivering them concisely.

  • Be prepared to answer questions and provide additional information.

At the Meeting

1. Be Punctual and Professional:

  • Arrive on time and dress appropriately.

  • Be respectful and courteous to everyone you meet.

2. Start with Introductions:

  • Introduce yourself and anyone else attending the meeting with you.

  • Mention any relevant affiliations or organizations you represent.

3. Make a Personal Connection:

  • Share a personal story or experience related to the issue.

  • Explain how the issue impacts you, your family, or your community.

4. Stay Focused:

  • Stick to your main points and avoid going off-topic.

  • Be clear, concise, and to the point.

5. Be Honest and Respectful:

  • If you don’t know the answer to a question, admit it and offer to follow up with more information.

  • Respect differing opinions and remain calm and composed.

6. Listen Actively:

  • Pay attention to what your member of Congress says.

  • Take notes and ask clarifying questions if needed.

7. Make Your Ask:

  • Clearly state what action you want your member of Congress to take.

  • Provide any supporting materials or leave-behind documents.

After the Meeting

1. Follow Up:

  • Send a thank-you email or letter expressing your appreciation for their time.

  • Recap key points from the meeting and reiterate your ask.

  • Provide any additional information or documents you promised during the meeting.

2. Stay Engaged:

  • Keep track of your member of Congress’s actions on the issue.

  • Continue to advocate and follow up as necessary. They work for you - keep the pressure on! 

3. Build Relationships:

  • Maintain regular contact with your member of Congress and their staff.

  • Attend town halls, public forums, and other events to stay engaged.