Pay a visit to your elected officials

Here are some tips for effective meetings with your elected officials:

• Before the appointment, prepare your key message and talking points.
• Gather materials to leave with the legislator…only necessary materials.
• Make an appointment with as much lead-time as possible.
• Check to make sure the appointment can be kept. If it cannot, make a second appointment.
• Keep the appointment if there is no conflict.
• Be punctual.
• Realize that you may only have 10-20 minutes for your visit. Don't stay too long!
• Introduce yourself to the assistant.
• Once in the office of the legislator, introduce yourself, state where you are from, and say that you are there in support of the University of North Carolina. Don't make the error of assuming that he/she knows you and your affiliations.
• Give thanks for his/her time and leadership.
• Get down to business as soon as possible. Be brief, concise, and prepared.
• Give the legislator your materials that support your position.
• Request that the legislator support the needs of the University.
• Be courteous and positive. Don't threaten, blame, or attack regardless of the person's stand on an issue.
• Thank the legislator for seeing you.
• Offer assistance to him/her with regards to the University's initiatives.
• Leave your business card.
• Send a thank you note. This gives you one more opportunity to state your position and ask for support. If possible, please copy the University on your letter and send it to University Affairs, P.O. Box 2688, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.
• Be sure to provide any follow up information that was requested or that you promised.