by Each August, U.S. Senators and Representatives leave Washington, DC, to return to their home districts. During August Recess, many congresspeople meet with constituents through town halls and other community events. This is a wonderful time to meet with these lawmakers and advocate for the needs in your community.
If you’re looking to engage this August Recess, but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading. Here are 5 steps to meeting with your representatives during the August Recess.
1. Identify Your Representative
Not sure who your Congressperson or Senators are? Click here to identify your representative.
Follow your representatives on social media and sign up for their newsletters to stay informed.
2. Contact Your Representatives’ Offices
To schedule a meeting with your representative, follow these steps:
- Set up a meeting on their website. You can find links to their websites here.
- If you do not hear back from your representative’s office within a week of submitting the request, follow up with a call or email.
- You might have the opportunity to meet with staff in lieu of your representative. Take the opportunity.
Click here to learn more about how to have a successful meeting with your representative.
3. Prepare for the Meeting
Here are some ways to prepare for your meeting with your representative:
- Plan what you will say and who will come with you
- Gather stories of people affected by the issue you want to raise
- Bring any materials or photos that support your perspective
- Research your representative’s position on the issue
- Determine the action you want your representative to take
Click here for more information on preparing for your meeting.
Here are some ways to spiritually prepare for your meeting:
- Devotionals by CCD Practitioners:
- Dr. Barbara Williams Skinner’s Masterclass on Voting Rights & Representation
- Civic Engagement – CCDA Style
- Catalyzing the Moment: Civic Engagement
4. During the Meeting
Here are some tips for your meeting:
- Arrive promptly
- Bring relevant materials and leave some behind
- Ask clarifying questions of your representative
- Ask them to take a specific action
- Ask if you can pray for your representative
- Invite them to visit your ministry or organization
Click here for more tips on what to do during your meeting.
5. Follow Up After the Meeting
Meeting with a representative is great, but legislative offices are busy places, so follow-ups are welcome. Click here for an email template that you can use to follow up after your meeting.
