Lobbying Your Legislator at their District Office

Texas legislators generally have offices both in the state capitol and in their local communities. Some officials who represent large regions may have more than one district office, which they use as a means of staying in touch with the concerns of their constituents. Most officials emphasize constituent contact because it helps direct their voting behavior. They want to know who supports an issue, how many support the issue, why they support it, and how it will impact the district.

During the Legislative Sessions, state officials will spend most of their time at the capitol. So, you will likely visit with a senior staff person in the local office. This is not a sign you're "getting blown off." A majority of the information legislators rely on comes from the staff, so if a staff person sees things your way, you have been successful.

Schedule an Appointment

1. Call your legislator's district office and ask to speak to the scheduler or appointment secretary. Be specific about your reason for wanting the appointment so the person with whom you meet is familiar with your issue. If you are asked your position on the issue, tell them. It is better they know ahead of time what to expect.
2. It is likely that you will meet with the legislator's staff. This is very common since lawmakers have many duties to perform and usually have previous or pressing appointments. Treat the staff as though they were the legislator.
3. Keep your request for time brief. Ten minutes is a long time to discuss your views. Your respect for their time will be appreciated and remembered the next time you want access.

Know Your Audience

Allies:

• Thank them for their support of the LGBT community.
• Emphasize the importance of their continued leadership to the LGBT community, etc.
• Ask how you can help support their work for equality.

Potential Supporters:

• Personalize issues of discrimination for you and your family and /or friends.
• Engage in a discussion of the elected official's concerns & general thinking on LGBT issues.
• Talk about LGBT activities; invite him/her to a meeting of a LGBT group that you are involved with.
• Ask them to keep an open door for future discussions with LGBT people & families and their friends.
• Request that they speak out against hateful anti-LGBT rhetoric.

Opponents:

• Personalize issues of discrimination for yourself or LGBT individuals, families, and the community – give examples.
• Provide accurate information about LGBT people and their families; counter misinformation.
• Encourage him/her to learn more about this topic and offer yourself as a resource.

The Lobby Visit

1. Dress appropriately, as if you are going to a business appointment.
2. Go in teams – group efforts make this less intimidating, and it's good to have backup and support. Bring no more than five people, and discuss talking points for each person to address before the meeting begins. Choose one person to lead the meeting.
3. Start positively – thank him/her for meeting with you.
4. Introduce yourself/selves; identify your hometowns.
5. Try to make a personal connection.
6. Know your agenda and stick to it. Identify the purpose of your visit. What bill/issue are you here to speak about, and what do you want the legislator to do?
7. Outline the specific issues that you want to address.
8. Listen to the elected official – what you learn about their thinking is important. Ask questions that require specific answers. Elected officials may try to shift the conversation to a more comfortable topic. Keep returning to your central message and purpose.
9. Provide the legislator with copies of the fact sheets included in this packet.
10. Make a specific request of support, i.e. "Please vote for _____, the Safe Schools Act."
11. Tell the truth; if you don't know an answer, say so; don't inflate your political clout or threaten not to vote for the member.
12. Acknowledge the possible political risks; help the official develop bridge-building messages that can speak to the majority of constituents.
13. If you hit a brick wall during the visit, accept it. After the meeting, brainstorm creative solutions.
14. End on a positive note; review any agreements or requests for information. Plan to follow-up.
15. Thank him/her for the meeting.

After the Meeting

1. Always follow-up. Send a thank-you letter restating any agreements or requests.
2. Let us know what you think. Your insight into these legislators and their motivations and beliefs can be very valuable to us. Fill out our Response Form to help us track district visits and provide your feedback.