Visits to Congressional Offices

Visiting your Senators and Representative in their district or Capitol Hill office is a great way to introduce them to your work and the Younger Americans Act (YAA).  Set up visits with your Members of Congress and urge them to support and co-sponsor the YAA. 

  Setting Up a Visit:

Members of Congress are typically in their home states Friday through Monday or during one of the congressional recess periods.  During the week when Congress is in session, they are in Washington, D.C.  To make an appointment to meet with a Member of Congress, call their appointment secretary/scheduler and give your name, organization and city, and tell them you wish to discuss the YAA.  You can reach the Capitol Hill office of any Member of Congress at (202) 225-3121.

  Before and During the Visit:

q       Know the issue.  Become familiar with the YAA. Use the information provided to learn about the goals of the legislation.  Read the legislation for additional specific information.  

q       Plan your time.  If you have more than one office to visit, schedule your visits with sufficient time to allow for meetings starting late and time to get from one office to the other. Do not arrive late. If you think that you will be late, call ahead.  
q       Keep your message simple.  Plan your presentation to last no longer than 10 minutes. Do not expect Members of Congress or staff to spend more than 15 minutes with your group. Be sure to include information about the connections between your work and the YAA.  

q       Share responsibility.  Have more than one person in your group speak during the presentation. Prior to your meeting, outline what you want to cover in your presentation and divide up roles and talking points. Determine who in your group will initiate and facilitate the meeting.   

q       Be prepared.   The Member of Congress will likely ask you questions about the YAA and/or your organization’s work.  Answer questions about who you are and what you have presented.  If you do not know the answer, promise to find out and get back to them.  

q       Bring handouts.   A letter from your organization on the YAA is good material to have on hand.  You may also wish to give them a copy of the legislation, a fact sheet, and a brochure about your agency.