Prior to meeting with a legislator, what is the recommended first step?

The recommended first step prior to meeting with a legislator is to conduct research on the legislator. This step is crucial as it allows you to gather valuable insights regarding the legislator’s background, positions on key issues, past voting behavior, and the interests and concerns of their constituents. By understanding the legislator’s values and priorities, you can tailor your approach, ensuring that your message resonates and aligns with their perspective.

When you are knowledgeable about the legislator's stance, you can effectively craft your arguments and anticipate objections, making your meeting more productive. Additionally, this research can help to establish rapport, as you can reference shared interests or initiatives that the legislator is passionate about.

Knowing the legislator's context enables you to approach the meeting with a targeted strategy and demonstrates respect for their work, which can significantly enhance the likelihood of a positive dialogue. This foundational step sets the stage for the development of advocacy toolkits, talking points, and any correspondence necessary for the meeting, as it provides the groundwork upon which all these elements can be built.