Member's Login

HOW TO VISIT A LEGISLATOR

A personal visit with your Delegate or Senator, either at home or in Richmond, can be rewarding, exciting, and anxiety-creating. The following are some steps and tips to make such a visit most effective.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE:

Introduce yourself, giving BRIEF information on:

  1. Place of residence
  2. Length of residence.
  3. Religious affiliation.
  4. Occupation, student status, volunteer involvements, etc.
  5. Voter/political involvement.
  6. Group you are representing (Virginia Interfaith Center, Regional Chapter, maybe congregation).
  7. Your experience and expertise relevant to the issue for discussion.

Set climate of visit:

  1. Be on time.
  2. Be positive and friendly - not argumentative. Never threaten a legislator by telling him or her that they will lose your vote if they don’t agree with you.
  3. Acknowledge areas of agreement.
  4. Acknowledge areas of appreciation. If, in your research, you found areas of agreement, be sure to acknowledge previous support of important bills.

State reason for visit:

  1. Be concise, accurate, and specific.
  2. State position and recommendation on issue.
  3. Identify your position or that of group which you represent.
  4. Leave a written summary of your position (if available), reference material,calling card, but don’t overwhelm them.
  5. Ask for related legislative materials: copy of bills, analysis of bill, brochures onSenate or House, etc.

During the conversation:

  1. Meet and write down names of staff person assigned your issue of concern.
  2. Don’t let questions or comments derail your purpose.
  3. Admit you need to think more about a new point raised; ask if they will considerwritten response later, find out who to get back to.
  4. Ask specific questions; request specific responses.
  5. Explore options of attending committee meetings or hearings, visiting gallery
  6. STAY ON MESSAGE

At the close:

  1. Make sure your ‘ask’ has been clearly stated.
  2. Review what will be done next (information to provide, etc.).
  3. Express thanks for their time and interest.
  4. Make no promises you can’t keep.

Center Priorities (.pdf)

Bulletin Inserts
Child Support (.pdf)
Environment (.pdf)
Housing Trust (.pdf)
Indigent Defense (.pdf)
Payday Lending (.pdf)
Minimum Wage (.pdf)

Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Guide (.doc)
Advocacy Portal (link)
Lending Info. (.ppt)
Richmond Map (.pdf)

For Small Groups
Eco-Stewardship (link)
Prayers for Creation (link)
Poverty Diet (link)

    Policy Briefs
    EITC (.doc)
    TANF Child Support (.doc)
    Payday Loans (.doc)
    Healing Creation (.doc)
    Child Ombudsman (.doc)
    Affordable Housing (.doc)
    Indigent Defense (.doc)
    Minimum Wage (.doc)
    Wage & EITC (.doc)
    VA Tribes (.link)

    Actions
    Lending Petition (link)
    Title Petition (link)
    Wage Petition (link)

    Reports
    Budget Analysis (.pdf)
    Food Stamps (.doc)
    Lottery Study (link)

    FAQ's (link)

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