This post first appeared on Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration.

Attending a legislative visit is a chance to talk with your elected representatives. You can advocate for issues that matter to you and your community. You may be welcoming them to your organization, school, or neighborhood. It’s key to make the most of this meeting. Here are eight ways to ensure a successful visit that leaves a lasting impact.

1. Plan Ahead

Start by planning the logistics of the visit, including scheduling, location, and agenda. Work with the legislator’s office to find their availability. Also, find out the topics they want to discuss. Prepare a detailed agenda outlining the sequence of events and divide enough time for each activity.

2. Define Clear Objectives

Identify the main things you want to achieve during the legislative visit. You could raise awareness about an issue. You could showcase your organization’s work. Or, you could advocate for policy changes. Tailor your messaging and activities to align with these objectives to maximize the impact of the visit.

3. Engage Stakeholders

Involve stakeholders from your organization, community, or group. Include them in the planning and execution of the visit. Encourage diverse participation. It will ensure that it represents a broad range of views. It will also provide chances for meaningful interaction with the legislator.

4. Prepare Talking Points

Develop concise and compelling talking points to guide discussions during the legislative visit. Highlight key messages, relevant data or statistics, success stories, and actionable policy recommendations. Prepare to address potential questions or areas of interest from the legislator.

5. Showcase Impact

Use the visit as an opportunity to showcase the impact of your organization’s work or the importance of your cause. Share success stories, testimonials, and examples. They prove the value of your efforts and show the real impacts of laws.

6. Cultivate Dialogue

Encourage open and helpful dialogue during the visit. Do this by creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Give attendees chances to ask questions. They can also share their experiences and offer input on relevant issues. Foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect to ease meaningful engagement with the legislator.

7. Follow-Up

After the legislative visit, send a thank-you letter or email. In the letter, express appreciation for their time and participation. Repeat key messages and commitments from the visit. Also, provide any relevant info or resources. Continue to engage with the legislator and their staff to build and sustain a productive relationship over time.

8. Evaluate and Learn

Take time to check the success of the visit and identify lessons learned for future engagements. Ask for feedback from participants, stakeholders, and the legislator’s office. Use it to assess the visit’s impact and find areas to improve. Use this feedback to improve your approach. It will make your future interactions with legislators more effective.

Legislative visits offer a chance to meet elected officials. They are a chance to highlight key issues and make real change. You pave the way for a productive visit by planning and setting clear goals. You involve stakeholders and craft compelling points. And, you show impact. It will not only further your goals but also strengthen your advocacy.

The post 8 Ways to Have a Successful Legislative Visit: Making the Most of Your Interaction first appeared on Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration.