Steps For a Good Meeting with your Elected Official
Hook, Line, and Sinker is a simple strategy to help you with your advocacy efforts. This approach will help ensure you cover the key points to make your legislative ask strong and effective.
Hook, Line, and Sinker can be used in different situations, including making a visit with your elected official; making a request over the phone, email, or letter; speaking to the media; testifying in a committee hearing; and anytime you want to make a request.
Hook: Geography is key when you introduce yourself to your elected official. Tell them exactly where you live so they immediately know that you are a constituent and can vote in their state or district. If possible, learn a little about your legislator’s recent voting record. Did he or she vote in favor of something ACS CAN advocated for? If so, take this opportunity to briefly thank them for their support and move on to the “line”.
Line: Stories and Statistics
Provide the policy maker with local stories and/or basic statistics about your chosen issue. This could include sharing of personal stories and experiences. Policy makers especially appreciate real-life examples that put a human face on an issue.
Sinker: The Request
Stay on message! Make a clear request of the policy maker. Ask for a commitment and then listen carefully to the response. Policy makers will often need some time to consider supporting or opposing a proposed change, but they will often share important insights into their thought process. Remember to thank then before you leave!
(Source: Soapbox Consulting)
