Meeting with your legislative candidate is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it raises awareness about important issues, allowing you to educate them on local concerns and perspectives they may not know about. Secondly, it ensures better representation for your community as candidates gain a deeper understanding of the diverse needs of the people they will serve. Lastly, these meetings help build relationships and community through ongoing communication that creates a sense of unity.

VCN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We request that you meet with all candidates running for office in the district to educate them on relevant issues. All 501(c)(3) non-profits are allowed and encouraged to educate candidates as long as they remain nonpartisan in outreach. See this blog post by Bolder Advocacy for more information on the legalities of candidate education!

Though meeting a legislative candidate may be nerve-wracking, proper preparation can lead to a successful experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your conversation:

Take the time to know your legislative candidate’s background and position. Also, be aware of recent news and developments with your candidate as this will make your conversation more relevant and engaging. This will help you understand them better, and they’ll appreciate your effort in getting to know them.

When scheduling a meeting, inform the candidate about the general agenda you’d like to discuss. You can share issues outlined in Our 2024 Common Agenda Environmental Briefing Book to give your legislative candidates a strong starting point. This allows them time to prepare and research beforehand. Also, ensure you request enough time for the meeting, keeping in mind their busy schedule while avoiding being too brief. Since time may be limited, pick only 1-3 topics from Our Common Agenda that you want to discuss.

Respect the candidate’s busy schedule by being punctual for your meeting. Additionally, be open to flexibility, as sometimes plans might change or time may need to be cut short.

Introduce yourself, noting where you live and/or work (i.e., confirming that you are a constituent or your organization does work in the district). Additionally, explaining what organization you are a part of will help establish a connection to the issue you’d like to discuss.

Don’t be afraid to ask your legislative candidate questions! Keep the dialogue open and be prepared for a two-way conversation. However, do ensure that your discussion remains nonpartisan and inclusive, focusing on the issues and not aligning with any specific political party.

Personal stories can be powerful tools to engage with your legislative candidate. If possible, share how a particular environmental issue directly affects you, your family, or your community. Following that, back up your stories with data and evidence to strengthen your points.

Always express gratitude for the candidate’s time. Sending a short letter or email afterward is a thoughtful gesture and can help build an ongoing relationship with them. Additionally, encourage them to reach out to you for further clarification or to address any future concerns.