| Meeting with your legislator in person helps make a personal and memorable impression. Face-to-face meetings also give you valuable ear-time with a legislator, as well as a chance to read their body language. It may also be a great way to engage learners or other consitituents in dialogue. When you plan a site visit, try to maintain a non-partisan tone, and keep in mind the legislative scheduling of your visit.
You can find your elected official in one of two places. The Senate Majority offices are in the Capitol, and everyone else (Senate Minority offices, House Majority offices, House Minority offices) is in the State Office Building (SOB).
Planning a Site Visit
- Be early
- Be inclusive
- Appoint a photographer
- Study up
- Be positive
- Double-check
- Know the political season
- Consider a Forum
- Follow-Up
Beginning the Visit: It is important to recognize staffers, introduce yourself and your guests, and allow time to chat. Come prepared, know your objectives, and personalize your message.
The Meeting: State your purpose, provide information, and introduce constituents. Ask for the legislator's point of view and for their support. If they are not supportive, do not become aggressive. Do not burn bridges. Be sure to thank the legislator for their time and support/consideration.
After the Meeting: Follow-Up, share hte information you have learned, stay informed, and schedule another meeting.
Staffers = Stewards of Information
- Legislative Assistant: Responsible for your legislator's schedule, screens phone calls, and screens mail
- Committee Administrator: Maintains committee schedule, schedules witnesses, helps decide committee agenda
*Note: The MN Gift Ban :Minnesota has a very strict ban on gifts to elected officials. Nothing of value can be given to a legislator. Informal materials are acceptable, and if a legislator gives a speech you are allowed to feed them (this is called Fair Exchange). | 
