Congressional District Office Visits
Steps and Tips for Success

1. Locate your Congressman or Senator’s office by visiting

http://www.house.gov/zip/ZIP2Rep.html (House) or http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm (Senate)

2. Invite people who are concerned about government funding of abortion, preferably those in the same district as you, to go to the meeting.

 3. Schedule your visit

• If you want to arrange a visit yourself, call the office and ask to arrange a meeting with the member of Congress.
• Announce who you are, tell them your reason for the call (see sample script below) and the number of people who will attend the meeting.
• The office may need a written request. Follow up with a call to confirm a date. Be persistent.
• If you are not able to meet with your Member of Congress, it can be valuable to meet with staff.

 4. Prepare for your meeting.

• Know something about your Member of Congress’ likely position on the issue.
• Review background on government funding of abortion (see HERE for more info).
• Think of questions and counterpoints that may come up and plan possible responses.
• Appoint someone to take notes during the meeting if traveling with a group.

 5. Meet with your Member of Congress or staff person

• Dress appropriately and be on time.
• Explain who you are and why you are there.  Discuss current healthcare legislation and ask them to only vote for legislation that has Stupak language in it and excludes government funding of abortion.
• Be polite and firm in explaining your position; avoid criticism.
• Use examples from your personal experience and be clear, concise, compelling and credible.
• Bring the conversation back to government funding of abortion if it goes off track.
• Ask what the Member’s position is and ask what it would take to get her/him to vote against any piece of legislation that permits government funding of abortion.
• Record key points of the conversation and questions you can’t answer; volunteer to find information and get back to your Member of Congress or staff.

 6. Show your commitment

• Offer to answer any questions or follow-up with answers to questions.
• Follow-up with a short thank you note or letter within two days (see sample below).
• Provide your contact information should the district office need to reach you.

 SAMPLE SCRIPTS

Meeting Request Via Phone Call

Hello my name is (your name). I am a constituent of (name your Senator or Representative).

I would like to set up a meeting with (Senator or Representative)* to discuss abortion coverage in the healthcare bill.

 Is it possible to schedule a time to stop by and talk with (name of your Senator or Representative)? 

 Thank you.

*You may be scheduled to meet with an assistant.

 Thank You Note

(Sender address)

(Date)

The Honorable (Senator/Representative name)
(Recipient address)

 Dear Senator/Representative ______,

 It was a pleasure to meet with you on (day of meeting). I appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule to speak with me about the healthcare bill.

 As we discussed, I am completely opposed to any bill that does include the Stupak language in it. Americans should not be forced to pay for abortion on demand in the healthcare bill. Polls overwhelmingly support this position and it is a moral offense to force someone who believes that abortion is a grave evil to pay for such a procedure. 

Thank you again for your time.

Sincerely,

Your name, telephone number, and email address