Members of Congress and Other Policymakers Need to Hear From You!
Meeting with your elected representatives is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard and influence policy. As a parent, caregiver, professional or just as someone who cares about babies, your experiences can help policymakers better understand the challenges and opportunities families face while raising babies and young children.
Whether you’re meeting in Washington, D.C. or in your representative’s local district office, a successful meeting starts with preparation. The tips below will help you schedule a meeting, prepare your message and confidently share your story.
Members Are Home For Recess!
Join them at a Town Hall event or schedule a meeting in your community.
Step 1. Get To Know Your Elected Officials
Go to the websites of your policymakers and sign up for their newsletters or listservs. Look for town halls and public events when they’ll be in your community and introduce yourself!
Attend a Town Hall
Town Halls are open to the public and usually include a question-and-answer session – giving you the opportunity to ask about the issues you care about. Information on town halls are usually available on the member’s website or via their newsletters or listservs.
Schedule a Meeting
Meet with your representatives, in your community or in Washington, DC. To schedule a meeting, contact your Member of Congress’s office by phone, email or through their website. Ask to meet with the representative or the staff member who handles family, health or child care issues. Be sure to introduce yourself as a constituent (someone who lives in the policymaker’s district or state), explain the purpose of your meeting and provide several dates when you are available.
A congressmember’s schedule can be busy, so requests should be made several weeks in advance whenever possible. If your Member of Congress is unavailable, a meeting with a staff member is just as valuable. Staff play an important role in advising lawmakers and ensuring your voice is heard.
Step 2. Prepare for Your Meeting or a Town Hall
Planning ahead can help you make the most of your time with your Member of Congress or their staff. Plan for who will attend, how you will get to the meeting and the key points you want to share.
Prepare a Statement
Preparing a short, clear statement will help you make sure your key message is heard. Start by introducing yourself and your family, then share a short story that demonstrates your experience. Explain why the issue matters to you, your family and your community. Keep your remarks focused and aim to deliver your main message in 2-3 minutes.
Make Your Policy Ask
You’ve told your story. What do you want your elected representative to do? Make sure you pair your story with a clear request, whether more funding or new laws. And ask the staff member or policymaker what they plan to do after your meeting.
Members of Congress are considering funding for government programs, or appropriations, for next year. When you can, connect your request to something they’re thinking about.
Have a Baby? Bring Them!
Seeing and interacting with the children who are directly affected by their decisions can make a powerful and memorable impression and will remind policymakers that their decisions have a real impact on you and your family. Bring any essentials you and the baby may need during the visit and allow extra time for getting through security and navigating the office. And be sure to take photos!
Step 3. Send a Follow-Up Message
After your meeting, send a thank-you email to the Member of Congress or staffer you met with (be sure to get their business card during your meeting!).
Be sure to thank them for their time, repeat your key message, and restate your request. Remember to provide any additional information or resources you promised to share during the conversation.
Send a Message to Congress
You have a voice.
Infants and toddlers don’t have a voice in the public policy process, but you do! By raising your voice, you can ensure all babies have a strong start in life.
Be a Big Voice for Little Kids
Our agenda is simple.
ZERO TO THREE promotes good health, strong families and positive early learning experiences for all infants and toddlers. Sign-up to get news and alerts from ZERO TO THREE and use your knowledge and experiences to impact public policy and make a difference in the lives of infants and toddlers.
Share Your Story
A powerful way to share.
Sharing your story with ZERO TO THREE is a powerful way to uplift parents, inspire care providers and support our mission to ensure babies and toddlers thrive.
