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My understanding is that you can't "show and meet with" them unless you are already a significant donor.

by jmugan 4y ago

beezlebroxxxxxx 4y ago
That's not entirely true. It's more like if you are a significant donor your name is always going first on the schedule of meetings for that day. Local constituents will usually get scheduled over and over again until some random 15-min block that the politician usually just glazes over for. They will meet with you if whatever your issues is directly affects their ability to fundraise though.
- indymike 4y ago
  > local constituents will usually get scheduled over and over again I've had four US different congresspersons from both parties make a lobbyist wait when they found out it was four constituents. All of them said this: "I get so few visitors from home, and I already know what ______ is going to say." I've even ended up at lunch with senators because they are sick of talking to the same people over and over. (I go to DC as a citizen every other year to advocate for things I care deeply about)
indymike 4y ago
> My understanding is that you can't "show and meet with" them unless you are already a significant donor. Very untrue. Very few US legislators will refuse a meeting with a constituent - even if you are a known donor to someone running for their seat! Most legislators have office hours in their home districts (one of my favorite Indiana senators does it at a Starbucks), and at the capitol when the legislature is in session. It may be hard (especially at the US Congress) level to travel to meet. Where most people go wrong is trying to have an adversarial meeting where you have a big debate on some issue. Far better to get a meeting (even better if you invite friends who want to discuss an issue) to discuss how an issue is affecting you, or something you need help with. You may get pushed to a staffer and get a quick meet & greet with the legislator... A lot of people get insulted that the staffer is an intern. Remember, interns are one of two parties that write laws and interns are literally the bulk of most legislator's staff! Also, come armed with real stories, and real people who would like to talk to the rep about the same issue. You'll be amazed how approachable most congresspeople are on most issues.

My understanding is that you can't "show and meet with" them unless you are already a significant donor.

by jmugan 4y ago

My understanding is that you can't "show and meet with" them unless you are already a significant donor.

That's not entirely true. It's more like if you are a significant donor your name is always going first on the schedule of meetings for that day. Local constituents will usually get scheduled over and over again until some random 15-min block that the politician usually just glazes over for. They will meet with you if whatever your issues is directly affects their ability to fundraise though.

indymike 4y ago
> local constituents will usually get scheduled over and over again I've had four US different congresspersons from both parties make a lobbyist wait when they found out it was four constituents. All of them said this: "I get so few visitors from home, and I already know what ______ is going to say." I've even ended up at lunch with senators because they are sick of talking to the same people over and over. (I go to DC as a citizen every other year to advocate for things I care deeply about)

indymike 4y ago

> My understanding is that you can't "show and meet with" them unless you are already a significant donor. Very untrue. Very few US legislators will refuse a meeting with a constituent - even if you are a known donor to someone running for their seat! Most legislators have office hours in their home districts (one of my favorite Indiana senators does it at a Starbucks), and at the capitol when the legislature is in session. It may be hard (especially at the US Congress) level to travel to meet. Where most people go wrong is trying to have an adversarial meeting where you have a big debate on some issue. Far better to get a meeting (even better if you invite friends who want to discuss an issue) to discuss how an issue is affecting you, or something you need help with. You may get pushed to a staffer and get a quick meet & greet with the legislator... A lot of people get insulted that the staffer is an intern. Remember, interns are one of two parties that write laws and interns are literally the bulk of most legislator's staff! Also, come armed with real stories, and real people who would like to talk to the rep about the same issue. You'll be amazed how approachable most congresspeople are on most issues.