Make sure to start your meeting with an introduction. Have each member of your group quickly state their name, organization (if applicable), and that they are a constituent. Don’t forget to mention that you’re with Water/Conservation Lobby Day if you’re joining us on January 30th and/or 31st!

Better yet, show up early! Other people might be trying to meet with your legislator without an appointment. It is best to arrive early, so your legislator knows you’re ready to meet as scheduled.

Even though you’ll arrive early, also be ready to be flexible. Meetings and times are subject to change at any moment due to the fast-paced nature of the General Assembly session. Your legislator might have a meeting go overtime or be called into a committee meeting last-minute. This may affect your scheduled meeting time.

If your legislator isn’t available for the time of your meeting, remain patient and persistent. Someone from their office, such as a chief of staff or legislative aide, will likely meet with you. 

Advocates meet with a Legislative Aide at our 2020 Conservation Lobby Day

It is very common to meet with your legislator’s staff instead of your representative during the General Assembly session. Don’t let this discourage you, these meetings are extremely valuable. Legislative staff are the eyes & ears of legislators and play a key role in their offices. Rest assured that they will pass along your information to the legislator.

Remember that most legislative offices only grant 10-15-minute meetings, but even these can be cut short. Use your time wisely. We recommend connecting with your district team early to strategize which 2-3 key issues you would like to discuss beforehand. 

For more time with your legislator, we recommend meeting with them outside of session to build your relationship and to bring awareness to the issues we care about most when they have more time.

Legislators want to meet with their constituents. While we lobby for statewide conservation policy to protect all Virginians, your legislator wants to hear why our positions are important to YOU. You don’t have to be a policy expert, your expertise is your personal perspective as a constituent. Always share a personal anecdote if you can!

Decide with your district team what your ask will be. “Will you support our bill positions?” is a good example. We encourage you to leave talking points for your bills with your legislator as well.

Constiuents meet with (and tweet at) Senator Surovell at our Conservation Lobby Day in 2020.

Get a photo with your legislator – it’s a great way to thank them over social media later! If you’re meeting with your legislator for Conservation Lobby Day, you can also grab a “Defend Clean Energy” poster or button to use in your photo.

Always thank your legislator for their time. We also recommend following up with either a social media post or a short email thanking them for their time and reminding them of your conservation policy positions to support.

We recommend wearing your professional attire. Many people wear suits and jackets in the General Assembly Building. Saying that, be practical. Our 2024 Water & Conservation Lobby Day will kickoff inside St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, a few minutes walk away from the General Assembly Building. Expect to do a lot of short back and forth walking both in the building and outside, so wear comfortable shoes.