1. Be on time for meetings with elected officials
2. Should the elected official not be available and you meet with an aide, make your presentation to the staff member(s) with the same thoroughness which you would devote to a presentation with the elected official personally.
3. Aides, especially senior staff, have a great deal of responsibility and, because they do the research and background work, they often are in a position to influence the elected official's positions, priorities and, ultimately, votes.
4. At the beginning of the meeting, the chair of the delegation should introduce himself/herself and say a little bit about the organization they represent. Each person in attendance should introduce themselves and their affiliation to the elected official.
5. If the elected official has a connection to the Jewish community, it should be noted in opening remarks and they should be thanked for any previous support on issues of concern, or other helpful situations.
6. Care should be taken to limit the time delegation members speak. The purpose of the meeting is to hear from the elected official.
7. Avoid argumentation. Just state the positions as you believe them to be.
8. Be sure to get the names, titles, and areas of responsibility of all staff members with whom you meet.
9. Send thank-you letters to all the people with whom you meet.
Click here to download a PDF version of the JCRC Advocacy Tips for Meetings with Elected Officials.
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