1. Lobby Day 2014

2. The Lobby Visit: A How-To Guide What is lobbying? o Attempting to influence decisions made government officials o Different from advocating, publicly supporting or opposing on an issue, or education, informing on an issue How is it done? o Face to face meetings o Email o Phone Constituent lobbying o Legislators are almost always very eager to win your support. o Legislators are sincerely interested in getting their constituents’ views on legislation. Nonprofit lobbying o You are the expert on your issue – you have information that the legislator needs. o Legislators and their staff repeatedly say that the information nonprofits provide is important to their decisions

3. Preparation Know the facts Know the history Know the legislator Prepare material

4. Scheduling a Meeting Email or call the office o Scheduler is the gate keeper! Have several dates and times ready to offer Provide them with: o Your name and contact info o Your organization o If you are a constituent o Specific bill or issue you want to discuss

5. Day of the Meeting Dress o Business casual o Men: Button down and nice pants o Women: Nice shirt or blouse with pants or skirt, or a nice dress Timing Demeanor Greeting Information presentation Decide who will be the primary speaker Know with whom you are meeting o Meetings with staffers are just as important!

6. The Meeting Open with a thank you Introduce the Secular Coalition and its mission Ask if they are familiar with terms like “humanist,” “atheist,” or “secular” The reason why I wanted to meet with you today… Share personal experiences Ask if they have any questions Thank them again Be professional and courteous The mission of the Secular Coalition for America is to increase the visibility of and respect for nontheistic viewpoints in the United States, and to protect and strengthen the secular character of our government as the best guarantee of freedom for all.

7. Follow Up Thank you note o No more than two days later o Email is acceptable Update if there is movement on your bill or issue Keep up the relationship o Send any information you come across that they might find relevant their way o Become a resource they can rely on

8. Capitol Hill Map

9. Preparation for Today Religiously Unaffiliated Voter Fact Sheet

10. Preparation for Today School Vouchers Lobby Sheet Politico Story

11. Preparation for Today Tax Reform Lobby Sheet Issue Statement Tax Reform Comments

12. Preparation for Today Military Issue Statement Atlantic Story on Chaplains

13. Preparation for Today Climate Change Issue Statement Lobby Sheet

14. Practice Sit with your group at lunch Take turns being the staffer and yourself and practice the meeting Relax and remember its just a conversation talking about what you care about