Expect legislators to be specialists. Their schedules and the number of bills make them generalists. Meeting with Your Representative or Senator P ersonal meetings with policy makers are among the most powerful opportunities to make the case for substance abuse prevention and treatment. Lawmakers need to hear from constituents and experts that prevention and treatment are more effective and economical than law enforcement and incarceration as strategies to address a wide range of community health and safety problems. You can help to reinforce this message on a local level by including it in meetings with your Representative or Senator.
M eeting with a legislator presents particular advocacy challenges.
Generally, members of Congress are charismatic and charming people, eager to hear the views of their constituents. However, their goals in a meeting may differ from yours. On the other hand, the member may be inclined to avoid controversy and balk at making a clear commitment to you. Expect ambiguity, but don't give up. For starters, learn something about the district and the member's election record.