I’ve been invited to cover White House events involving the President and First Lady, but I’ve never had, or even tried to make an appointment to see a member of Congress. I have however, lobbied with and learned from the best of non-paid citizen lobbyists advocating for all of us, regardless of Political Party.
So if you’re really into celebrating America through discovery and exploration of facts & figures conversation, rather than flag waving limitations on “those people,” who, like Christie don’t get invited to see or pack for the party, (because of their look or outlook, whose help they accept, hand they shake or for whom they cast their vote), this lesson is your “We the People” non-partisanship participation education plan for Congress – Part Two.
Never knock. Just walk in. If you catch them doing something they shouldn’t be, RECALL! Mostly though, it’s only hardworking, underpaid idealistic people hoping to have a seat at the table one day, working long hours every day for their dream come true. These are the real Frank Capra Washington Smiths.
After polite introduction, ask for the person you want to see. Not the “Member,” but the one whose job it is to get your thoughts and feelings before “The Member” to fulfill your causal raison d’etre – at least for the day.
Rarely have I had a “Member” of Congress come out to see me, but it’s happened – and they signed onto the bill I was there supporting, albeit largely because of our group’s mentors from whom I was learning how to haunt Congress.
A “Legislative Assistant” is the highest level you’re likely to see, using the ‘just walk in’ method, so know the two or three legislative areas you most want to discuss, as the same person may be in charge of both areas of interest to you. Once face to face, better to make a few salient points, hitting a few hot buttons than lose their attention.
Two aside lessons here might be helpful: I’ve always cautioned parental caregivers to listen with more than your ears and directed actors to give casting office receptionists the utmost respect, because they’re not there training to be lifetime receptionists. So even when making your point “listen” to how the LA is listening to you; as in “Know your audience.”
One of the few principals of a Congress: respect Legislative Assistants, for they are key to winning the respect of ‘The Member’ for your cause, or at least your vote
For maximum effect, here’s where you slip in a bit of ‘in house’ jargon: H. R. for House of Representatives. I know, duh, right, but remember where we are and use it knowing, organization is one thing we need to encourage in government, for in this moment, you and the Legislative Assistant across from you, are the U. S. government
Now, each bill proposed from a Congressperson or Caucus (group of allied members) gets a number assigned to it, and when it gets enough sponsors/signatures — yes, I know, mostly electronically, but who are you most likely to vote for, the candidate you see or the one who drops off a hanging chad promotion, on your front door.
Think of your visit as, you’re the salmon who made it all the way upstream, to plant a seed, so to speak.