Practice your meeting before you walk in.
Pick a meeting, then talk with an animated legislator or staffer, just like you would on Hill Day. When you finish, you'll get a scorecard with what went well and what to try next time.
What makes a strong meeting?
- Say where you live, so they know you're a constituent.
- Share your story in 60–90 seconds.
- Make one clear, specific ask, then pause.
- Use one memorable figure, not five.
- Handle pushback calmly. "I'll find out and follow up" is a great answer.
- Close with a next step.