American Associations Day: How to Run a Congressional Meeting March 13, 2013

American Associations Day:How to Run a Congressional Meeting

March 13, 2013

SpeakersSpeakers

• Danielle StaudtExecutive Director American League of Lobbyists

• Mary Kate Cunningham Public Policy Manager ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership

Purpose of a Hill VisitPurpose of a Hill Visit

• Make a personal connection between your association and the Power of A message

• Advance legislative issues of the association community

• Ensure your voice heard- Members of Congress represent their constituents

What is the PWRA What is the PWRA Campaign?Campaign?

• The Power of A campaign is designed to show how associations are social and economic drivers

• Associations are moving society forward in many ways• Learn more at the American Associations Day panel “Hill

Meetings: Using the Power of A Message” with panelists:– Matthew R. D’Uva, CAE, President and CEO

Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals International– Jim Thompson, CAE, IOM, Executive Director

Association Executives of North Carolina

PollPoll

• What are you most concerned about regarding your meetings on the Hill?– Scheduling and confirming meetings– Locating the office– Mastering the legislative issues– Making the final “ask”– Other: fill in

Planning Your Hill VisitPlanning Your Hill Visit

• Allow at least 15 minutes between meetings on the House side and at least 30 between meetings on the Senate side

• Numbering system on the House• Building + Floor + Room Number• Example: Rayburn 2nd floor is 2243• Example: Longworth 2nd floor is 1243• Example: Cannon 2nd floor is 243 (no number)

• Allow enough time for traffic (on Metro and the roads)

Map of CongressMap of Congress

Planning Your Hill VisitPlanning Your Hill Visit

• Expect to walk- the Congressional campus is large• Prohibited items: – liquid, including water– Aerosol containers/ non-aerosol spray– Any bag larger than 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep

• Cafeterias and snack shops can be found in almost all Congressional buildings. Check a map for the closest to you.

Before Your MeetingBefore Your Meeting

• Confirm each meeting a day in advance• Be prepared with the background of the Member of

Congress and his/her district• Know potential connections between your

organization and the district or member• Take a moment to consider the special angle that

makes your talking points special• Dress for a business meeting

ArrivalArrival

• Arrive 5 minutes early and check in at the Front Desk• Greet the front office Staff Assistant and tell them:– your name and organization – who you are meeting with and what time

• Congressional staffers may look very young, yet they report to the member, so treat them with respect

• Don’t be shocked if the meeting space is less than ideal (i.e. a cafeteria, hallway, or “cage”

• Prepare for a short meeting, usually not longer than 15 minutes

Start the MeetingStart the Meeting

• The staffer you are meeting with will likely run late. Do not let this fluster you. Stick to the planned talking points.

• Introduce each member of your group and what organization they are representing

• Present material and business cards at the start of the meeting

Make the ConnectionMake the Connection

• Emphasize if you are a constituent• If you have a connection to the

member, share that with the person you are meeting with (i.e. attended same college or university, shared former coworker)

Meeting LogisticsMeeting Logistics• Address how your association helps the

district or state through services/education/ and jobs.

• Use personal stories in addition to facts• Leave time for questions• Avoid acronyms and industry jargon• Thank the staffer or member if they

have supported a position in the past that is related to your issue

• Make your “ask” clearly• Offer to be a resource to the office

Mistakes to AvoidMistakes to Avoid

• Never mention campaign contributions- this destroys your credibility and may be illegal

• Do not threaten not to vote for a member• If the member is present or stops by your meeting, avoid becoming “star

struck”• Make sure not to guess at answers to questions: offer to check and then

follow through with the staffer. • Never lie or stretch the truth on your issue• Do not convey negative feelings about politicians and Congress. Be

respectful.

Breakdown of the OfficeBreakdown of the Office

• Staff Assistant• Legislative Correspondent (LC)• Legislative Assistant (LA)• Legislative Director (LD)• District/State Director• Scheduler• Chief of Staff

After Your MeetingAfter Your Meeting

• Send a follow up note to the staffer thanking them for the meeting and for their time

• Provide any additional information you may have offered to send

• Keep in touch with the office, either on this issue or a future issue. Make the connection into a relationship.

PollPoll

• What are you still concerned about heading towards American Associations Day?– Mastering the issues– Confirming appointments with Congressional Offices– Making the “ask” to the staffer or Member– Other: fill in

Mary Kate CunninghamPublic Policy Managermcunningham@asaecenter.org202-626-2787

Robert Hay Jr.Associate Director, Public Policyrhay@asaecenter.org202-626-2788

Questions?Questions?