{"id":7714,"date":"2024-07-26T16:04:28","date_gmt":"2024-07-26T21:04:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/?p=7714"},"modified":"2024-08-07T12:12:34","modified_gmt":"2024-08-07T17:12:34","slug":"prep-now-for-august-advocacy-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/prep-now-for-august-advocacy-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"Prep for August Advocacy Opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: right\"><em>By Ryan Fonseca-Vega, ELCA Advocacy Intern<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesssocstmt.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-7723 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesssocstmt-200x300.png\" alt=\"Quotation on a purple background about the church's commitments to human dignity, justice, peace, and environmental care.\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesssocstmt-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesssocstmt-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesssocstmt-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesssocstmt-250x375.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesssocstmt-233x350.png 233w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesssocstmt.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>August presents unique opportunities to bring our deep concerns as Christians about many things related to our planet and the beings that inhabit it to U.S. Congress in our own backyards. In-person and virtual meetings, as well as Town Halls, can be scheduled in this month as the U.S. Congress usually takes a recess. Representatives and senators often visit their congressional districts and\/or home states in August to reconnect with their constituents \u2013 like you.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#tips\">TIPS FOR ARRANGING A MEETING<\/a> | <a href=\"#participating\">PARTICIPATING IN A TOWN HALL<\/a> | <a href=\"#general\">GENERAL PREPARATION<\/a> | <a href=\"#following\">FOLLOWING UP<\/a><a name=\"tips\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #333399\">TIPS FOR ARRANGING A MEETING<\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Whether in-person or virtual, a social ministry or faith-based group you are part of may want to connect to highlight your experience and priorities with your federal elected official directly on an issue about which they have influence.<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #333399\">Who and Where<\/span><\/h5>\n<p>First and foremost, learn who your elected official is and where they are located. To locate your member of the U.S. House of Representatives, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.house.gov\/representatives\/find-your-representative\">house.gov\/representatives\/find-your-representative<\/a> is a great tool. Also available is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.govtrack.us\/\">govtrack.us<\/a>, using your location to find your senators and representatives .<\/p>\n<p>Follow links to get a photo of the elected official and their website, which will include office locations and other resources.<\/p>\n<p>From the elected official\u2019s website is often a link to make a scheduling request (but an old-fashioned phone call can also help you learn how to accomplish this).<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #333399\">Scheduling a Virtual District Meeting<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotetour.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-7721\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotetour-200x300.png\" alt=\"Quotation on a deep purple background with a large, black curly brace on the left side.\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotetour-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotetour-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotetour-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotetour-250x375.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotetour-233x350.png 233w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotetour.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>This may be the easiest way to arrange a meeting, and the online tool from the lawmaker\u2019s website should guide the process. For you and those who may take part with you, there is a minimal need to consider travel time, and it can take place anywhere.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure to inform the official\u2019s office that you are a constituent.<\/li>\n<li>Clearly prepare the reason for the meeting or what the meeting will be focused on. For example, you may want to share your priorities on the Farm Bill or other legislation in federal discussion.<\/li>\n<li>TIP: You may be providing the virtual platform for the meeting. If so, clearly determine the correct link. For example, will you use Skype\/Teams\/Zoom?<\/li>\n<li>TIP: Assure there is no time limit for the platform you have chosen so that there is no pressure to rush the meeting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In my experience, these meetings usually go well and smoothly. Most likely, it will be a staffer of the elected official on the virtual call. Get to know the staffer and get their contact information. They are a person consistently speaking with the elected official.<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #333399\">Scheduling an In-Person District Meeting<\/span><\/h5>\n<p>It is a bit more difficult to schedule such a meeting, especially since the plan may need to account for travel to and from the location. You may try to meet in the elected official\u2019s local office or at your venue. You may want to offer a tour of your facility or even a more hands-on approach such as allowing the policy maker to volunteer some of their time in a pantry or experience daily life in your facility\/space.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Here too &#8211; make sure to inform the official\u2019s office that you are a constituent.<\/li>\n<li>Here too &#8211; clearly prepare the reason for the meeting or what the meeting will be focused on, such as an issue or legislation focus.<\/li>\n<li>TIP: Be ready with options for times and days that the elected official may meet with you. By having a more flexible schedule, and being open, the likelihood of your elected official attending is increased.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #333399\">Always Confirm<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecessresources.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-7722\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecessresources-200x300.png\" alt=\"ELCA.org advocacy resources and guides on purple background, with titles - August Recess Guide, In-district meetings with representative, and Virtual Visits.\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecessresources-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecessresources-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecessresources-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecessresources-250x375.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecessresources-233x350.png 233w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecessresources.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>In my experience, there have been times when a request for a meeting has gotten lost between the website and the assigning staff member or other glitches. It is important to follow-up with the scheduler to assure that a meeting, virtual or in-person, is documented on the elected official\u2019s calendar.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>TIP: I always follow up with them a few days (4-6) after the initial request to confirm it is on their radar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"participating\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #333399\">PARTICIPATING IN A TOWN HALL<\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Traditionally, elected officials host two town hall meetings in their respective districts in the month. Your legislators will respond to inquiries during the town hall. By raising your important issue, you can publicly hold your legislator accountable to constituents and start or advance a meaningful conversation.<\/p>\n<p>By checking the legislator\u2019s webpage, you can see if and when they are hosting town halls along with the important details of location and other specifics.<\/p>\n<p>My experience\u2026 has been nerve-racking. I recommend that it is important that you have a longer list of questions to avoid asking similar questions that someone else has already asked. If there is a link for you to enter your questions ahead of time, ensure that you do it as early as possible to have the best possibility of it being answered during the town hall. Also, remember to <em>breathe<\/em> if you are not familiar with public speaking!<a name=\"general\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #333399\">GENERAL PREPARATION<\/span><\/h5>\n<p>As already shared, be very clear on why you want to have this encounter with a lawmaker. Other considerations include deciding who will be part of the meeting (4-5 people in a group is a good number) and developing talking points on your issue\/concern that are based on your priorities and experiences.<\/p>\n<p>Not sure how to start? Take a look at the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/download.elca.org\/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository\/2024_ELCA_Federal_Policy_Priorities.pdf\">2024 Federal Policy Priorities<\/a>\u201d developed by the ELCA advocacy team on the ELCA Advocacy Resources page (under \u201cTools\u201d tab). In 2023, a blog post example of key issues and possible questions could also inform your approach, available <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2023\/\">from the ELCA Advocacy Blog<\/a>. Connecting with your local <a href=\"https:\/\/download.elca.org\/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository\/ELCA_Advocacy_map_and_list.pdf\">ELCA-affiliated state public policy office<\/a>, if available, or synod leaders can also help you shape your approach.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotegroup.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-7720\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotegroup-200x300.png\" alt=\"Quote about being clear on reasons for meeting a lawmaker and considerations for group size on a purple background.\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotegroup-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotegroup-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotegroup-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotegroup-250x375.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotegroup-233x350.png 233w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/07\/240726augrecesspullquotegroup.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>Although a town hall is different, other meetings can benefit by assigning roles to people participating in the encounter. Following is one way to assign roles.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Introducer\/Framer<\/strong> &#8211; This person introduces your group at the beginning of the meeting. They also keep an eye on time, wrap-up the meeting, and get the business card or contact information of the staff person that is with the elected official.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>TIP: As part of the wrap-up, this person should be sure to express thanks! Something like: \u201cThank you for meeting with us. We are members of the ELCA and appreciate talking with you about [whatever the vote or concern\/issue is]\u201d will reinforce your purpose and end the meeting on a high note.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Storyteller<\/strong> &#8211; This most effectively is someone who is impacted by what the bill you are raising is trying to fix or an aspect of the issue\/concern. Sharing (as comfortable) personal experience or the experience of the people you are organizing with is valuable.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>TIP: I\u2019ve found it is helpful to give a little personal background to allow others to \u201cget you.\u201d Help them understand where you are coming from and how you have been impacted \u2013 and how a bill or initiative can change that.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Point Person<\/strong> &#8211; This person is more familiar with facts of the bill or issue and can speak to technical questions if they come up \u2013 for example: where a bill is in the process or something missing from current discussion.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Closer<\/strong> (may be same as Introducer\/Framer) &#8211; Near the end of the meeting, this person expresses thanks and asks for further support or highlights district needs overall.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>I\u2019ve found it is important to keep a sense of URGENCY for the bill or issue\/concern about which you are advocating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"following\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #333399\">FOLLOWING UP<\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Great job showing up in this August Recess opportunity! But just because the meeting or town hall is over, the opportunity is not.<\/p>\n<p>Every participant, if possible, should email your contact or the elected official\u2019s office to thank them for their time, and\/or tag them in a social media post.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Build on the experience before a vote or key action on your issue\/concern by following up.<\/li>\n<li>And keep the relationship going.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once the relationship starts, phone calls and other contacts will establish familiarity by name and can make it easier for you to schedule future events and opportunities to bring the concerns shaped through your faith convictions and experiences into the policy process.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Ryan Fonseca-Vega, ELCA Advocacy Intern August presents unique opportunities to bring our deep concerns as Christians about many things related to our planet and the beings that inhabit it to U.S. Congress in our own backyards. In-person and virtual meetings, as well as Town Halls, can be scheduled in this month as the U.S. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":254,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1400],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7714","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-post"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Prep for August Advocacy Opportunities - ELCA Advocacy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/prep-now-for-august-advocacy-opportunities\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Prep for August Advocacy Opportunities - ELCA Advocacy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Ryan Fonseca-Vega, ELCA Advocacy Intern August presents unique opportunities to bring our deep concerns as Christians about many things related to our planet and the beings that inhabit it to U.S. Congress in our own backyards. 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