Keep in mind that the legislator may try to lobby you. This is especially true if the legislator senses that there is not a firm commitment on the part of our members to our issues. This will hurt our lobby effort. Don't give up if you are not successful the first time. In fact, many times success is in just making the initial contact.
Communications established through discussion can aid future lobbying efforts.
Keep in mind that many or most of the legislators have little or no direct knowledge or experience with the public schools, except that they may have attended public school or their children are in, or have gone through, the public school system. A large part of your job is to help them understand what it is really like to be an educator in the classroom of today. Do not be discouraged but cordially accommodate the change and make your presentation to the aide. Legislators' aides are very knowledgeable about the issues as it is their job to keep the legislator informed. They are very influential with their legislator and can advocate our point of view.