Meeting with Legislators - Previous Revision

Know Your Audience

• Find out what issues the legislators care about and how they represent them

Plan What You'll Say

• Develop 2-3 main talking points along with the policies and practices that support them. Consult NCTE policies:
  • NCTE's Legislative Platform
  • NCTE Executive Committee Focal Issue Motions (bottom of page)
  • NCTE Positions & Guidelines
  • NCTE Policy Issue Collections 
  • Information provided through Action Alerts

Practice

• Practice by responding to the toughest and best questions you guess the legislator will ask.

During Your Meeting with a Legislator

• Be prepared and be yourself.
• Keep your “crib sheet” of 2-3 points plus examples and policies nearby.
• Be positive, honest, and straightforward -- think of the meeting as a good conversation, not a debate.
• Use personal stories to illustrate your points, and analogies when possible to clarify your points.
• Speak and listen.
• Use everyday language; don’t use jargon.

After a Meeting with a Legislator

• Don't forget to send a thank you note and include any information you may have offered to provide during your visit -- email is the best way.
• Ask to be consulted when issues arise and, even if you haven't heard, follow up a few months later just to keep in touch by offering your assistance.

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Please contact Millie Davis or Lori Bianchini, NCTE Communications Division, for assistance with your questions about speaking with the media or with legislators:  public_info@ncte.org; 217-278-3634 (Millie) or 217-278-3644 (Lori).

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