So, You've Decided to Make An Appointment with Your Legislator!

Q.        I’m not very comfortable with this step, but I want to know more.  Where do I start?

A.        The first step is to recognize that legislators are just people and have no way to know everything about everything.  If we want them to know more about music education, the only way that can happen is for us to provide them information.  Additionally, they tend to care about the issues their constituents care about – so the more often they hear about an issue, the higher it tends to be in importance to them. 

Q.        Who should participate in a face-to-face meeting with a legislator?

A.        The meeting should include 2-4 people.  You never want to do such a meeting by yourself – and more than 4 people is too many.  Usually it is best to have a music educator, and a parent or booster person.  If you have someone in your community who already has a personal relationship with the legislator, having that person along will be very helpful.

Q.        How do I actually make the appointment?

A.        Call the local legislative office to inquire.  The scheduler will want to know what the topic will be (music or fine arts education) and who will be attending.  If you’re not certain when you make the appointment, provide the names of people you’re sure of, and then call them back with the others. 

Q.        Will I actually be meeting with the legislator?

A.        If the appointment is well away from the legislative session and held in the local district office, it should be with the legislator.  If there is an unexpected event, or you are scheduling a time during a committee week, you may be meeting with a legislative aide.

Q.        How effective is meeting with an aide?

A.        The aides are generally very influential and tend to have specific assignments (such as “education”).  While it may be disappointing to meet with an aide, at first, they are in a position to raise your issues to a level of importance.

Q.        How do I prepare for the meeting?

A.        Have a conversation with the people planning to attend and use the current talking points from the FMEA legislative page.  You may also want to talk with James Perry (800-301-3632) as part of your preparation.  He will want to know about your meeting and will be happy to talk with you.  Decide in advance who will cover what points, so that everyone gets to talk.  Additionally, make sure that everyone knows the only topic to be covered in the meeting is music education – don’t allow yourselves to get off on some other topic! 

Q.        What will be the first question?

A.        In nearly every meeting, the legislator will begin by asking, “What can I do for you?”  The answer to that question needs to be succinct and establish your credibility.  These opening comments are the most important of the meeting – think them out carefully.  

This is an area that you may want to discuss with James Perry as part of your preparation.

Q.        Is there anything else I should think about?

A.        Be sure the time you’ve scheduled for the appointment is your “own” time.  It’s not appropriate or ethical to see a legislator on paid school time. 

Keep the focus on your conversation on students and student opportunities.  Music education is about students and student success!