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Visiting with Your Legislators. CEC National Legislative Conference June 9, 2014. Tips for the Day. Wear comfortable shoes. You may be doing a lot of walking! Be prepared to go through metal detectors and security lines. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Visiting with Your Legislators
CEC National Legislative ConferenceJune 9, 2014
Tips for the Day
Wear comfortable shoes. You may be doing a lot of walking! Be prepared to go through metal detectors and security lines. The schedule is unpredictable. You may have to wait through
no fault of the Member of Congress or their staff. Keep the contact information for the offices your are visiting
with you. Should you be delayed, call the office and let them know.
If in a large group – identify speakers for your group.
Things that May Surprise You
Youthful Staffers Meeting Location
Meeting space is limited Nontraditional locations (hallway, cafeteria)
Meeting Length Approx. 30 minutes Important to be clear and concise
Meeting Pointers
Introductions Introduce yourself – your professional role, overview of children
you work with, etc. Key Legislative Issues
Choose 2-3 issues to discuss, you will not be able to cover all eight
Conclusion Thank them for their time Ask them what would be the best way to follow up with them
Meeting Pointers
Avoid special/gifted education jargon or acronyms Congressional staff have multiple responsibilities Familiarity with our issues may vary
Be an honest broker Your credibility is EVERYTHING It’s okay if you don’t know the answer; Tell them you will
get back to them; Relay the question to CEC staff and we will be sure to get back to them.
Meeting Pointers
Advocacy Packets Serve as a framework for your meetings Hand staff the information from the packets Discuss 2-3 issues included & reference other issues
of concern are included.
Taking your message to Capitol Hill
Make it personal YOU are special/gifted education’s best
advocate Connect with your legislators
Where are you from? Where do you teach/work with children/research? Why did you become a special /gifted educator?
Convey the link between policy and children & youth with exceptionalities and their families You are their constituents
Meeting Pointers
Be respectful of the staffers time Offer yourself as a resource Leave your packet with the staff Ask when and how to follow up with them Ask them for business card for follow up Ask to take a photo with them – then share it with CEC!
What else is going on?
Senate Labor-Health & Human Services-Education Appropriations Mark-Up
June 10 @ 2:30pm – 124 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Do your Homework
Take 15 minutes to learn a little bit about the offices you are visiting.
Use the Legislative Action Center to do some research1. Are they already a cosponsor of the legislation? Then
thank them!2. Visit their website to see if they highlight issues that can be
related back to special/gifted education or to establish common ground.
Using a Smartphone? Download the “Congress” app from the Sunlight Foundation or the Captiol Visitor Center app: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/
Most Importantly…
YOU are the EXPERT Convey your passion for children with
exceptionalities Express your concerns Have FUN!
Getting Around
10-15 Minute walk from Union Station to Senate Office Buildings
2-5 Minute walk from Capitol South Metro to House Office Buildings
15 Minute walk from Senate Office Buildings to House Office Buildings