SHIH TZU FANCIERS OF SOUTHERN CA

how to meet government officials

Meetings with legislators can be a very productive way of communicating, although some may be able to meet personally with only a tiny fraction of their constituents. To give your meeting the maximum effect:

Schedule an appointment in advance.

Plan, time and rehearse your comments prior to the meeting.

Be on time. The government official may be late, but you shouldn't be.

Be prepared to wait. Legislators' schedules are often very hectic.

Appoint a spokesperson who will do the talking for the group beforehand if you go with a small group.

Get to the main purpose of your visit in the first five minutes.

Other group members may add comments, but they should only be to reinforce or elaborate on your main point.

Expect the meeting to be brief. If the legislator wants to keep talking, that's a bonus.

Answer any questions accurately and briefly. If you don't know the answer, say so and offer to follow up.

End by asking the government official to do what you want him or her to do, such as, "Will you vote for Senate Bill 150?"

Leave a one-page statement of your issue and position.

If you meet with a staff aide instead of the legislator, remember that educating the staff is very important, too. Many legislators rely heavily on their staff's advice.

Follow up with a thank-you letter, answers to any of the legislator's questions that were not handled during the meeting or any other information you offered to gather for the legislator on the issue.

For more information about canine legislation please contact: 

American Kennel Club

Canine Legislation Department 

5580 Centerview Drive

Raleigh, NC 27606-3390

phone: (919) 233-3720 or (919) 233-3721

fax: (919) 854-0168

email: doglaw@akc.org.

CA Legislation Briefs

Hobby Breeders Remain Exempt from Licensing

Homeowners and Dogs

Legislation that Could Restrict Air Travel of Live Animals 

Most Restrictive Spay/Neuter Laws Ever in Los Angeles!  

10 Tips for Successful Involvement in Canine Legislation

How to Write, Call, Meet Your State's Legislators

U.S. Statutes for Animal Cruelty

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