Tips for Meeting with Legislators

Meeting with a legislator is one of the most powerful ways to advocate for animals and influence policy change. Lawmakers hear from countless voices every day, so your goal is to make your message clear, memorable, and compelling.

 

 

Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned volunteer, preparation is key to making the most of your time. This guide offers practical tips to help you:

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• Schedule and prepare for a meeting

• Share your story effectively

• Make a clear legislative ask

• Build lasting relationships with lawmakers

 

 

Lawmakers are more likely to act when they hear from constituents who demonstrate professionalism, clarity, and a genuine commitment to the community. Here's how to do it:

 

 

Before the Meeting

 

 

Schedule and Prepare

 

Call the legislator’s office to schedule an appointment. Go alone or with just a few others so you don’t overwhelm the office. Dress professionally and appoint one spokesperson.

 

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Keep It Brief

 

Meetings may last only 15–20 minutes or less. Practice delivering your key points in about five minutes.

 

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Bring Concise Materials

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Prepare a one-page fact sheet summarizing your organization’s mission, services, accomplishments, and the specific legislative request. Leave this behind, along with your contact information—elected officials often rely on trusted experts for follow-up questions 

 

 

Plan Your Story

 

Think about the personal experiences that prompted your advocacy. A compelling story that connects the issue to people in the district can be very powerful. Consider themes such as:

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• Why you became an advocate

• How your work affects constituents

• Stories of animals and families your organization helped

 

 

Use Data to Strengthen Your Message

 

 

While stories make the issue human, data makes the solution credible.

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• Support your ask with facts – Include locally relevant statistics that support your position.

• Cite trusted sources – Legislators need reliable data.

• Keep it simple – Avoid overwhelming with charts; focus on one or two key statistics.

• Show outcomes – Share results from your own programs when possible.

 

 

This evidence can tip the scales when a legislator is undecided or needs justification to support your cause. Stay focused on the key data, but offer to provide more information in a follow-up email.

 

 

Opening the Meeting

 

 

Identify Yourself as a Constituent

 

Introduce yourself, where you live, and the organization you represent. Make clear that you vote; this immediately signals relevance to the official.

 

 

Thank and Compliment

 

Begin by thanking the legislator or staff member for meeting with you. If possible, acknowledge something positive in their voting record. A friendly tone helps build rapport.

 

 

Make the Connection

 

 

Explain Who You Represent

 

Let the legislator know that your shelter or rescue serves people and animals in their district—and that your volunteers, adopters, and donors are constituents and voters.

 

 

Share a Personal Story

 

Personal stories make the issue relevant. Describe a specific animal or family whose situation illustrates why your work matters.

 

 

Briefly Describe Your Organization

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• History & Mission – Provide a concise overview of the organization's history and growth. Try to keep it under 2-3 minutes.

• Size & Services – Mention the number of animals you serve each year, your volunteers and donors, and your annual budget. Highlight core programs such as adoptions, fostering, pet food pantry, free or low-cost vet care, spay/neuter, behavior training, TNR, and animal control contracts.

• Accomplishments – Share key outcomes (e.g., animals rehomed, food distributed, or spay/neuter surgeries performed). Keep this summary short and include detailed facts in your leave-behind materials.

 

 

Explain Funding and Public Benefit

 

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Explain that your organization solves a public problem using private donations and grants. Point out how your work:

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• Saves taxpayer money (e.g., through reduced municipal intake via spay/neuter or TNR)

• Improves public health and safety

 

 

Using economic and community arguments is very persuasive.

 

 

Show Community Impact

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• Role in the Community – Describe how your work complements municipal services (e.g., animal control contracts, reducing shelter crowding, coordinating rescue care). Explain what might happen if your organization ceased operations (e.g., more stray animals, higher public-health costs).

• Community Relationships – Mention partnerships with veterinarians, animal control officers, and local groups.

 

 

Ask for Specific Support

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• State Your Ask Clearly – Whether you’re seeking support for a bill, co-sponsorship, funding, or an amendment, be specific about the action you want the legislator to take. Vague appeals like “support animal welfare” are less effective.

• Prioritize Requests – Limit yourself to one or two key asks so staff can focus their efforts.

 

 

Conduct During the Meeting

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• Be Polite and Honest – Always maintain a respectful tone—even if the legislator disagrees.

• Listen and Engage – After sharing your message, listen to their response and ask clarifying questions.

 

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Closing and Follow-Up

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• Summarize and Thank – Restate your main points and thank them for their time. If you made a specific request, note that you’ll follow up.

• Leave Materials – Provide your fact sheet or a packet outlining your request.

• Follow Up Politely – Send a thank-you note and any promised information. Stay in touch and acknowledge any positive action they take.

 

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Final Thoughts

 

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By combining clear, concise organizational information with compelling stories and a specific request—and by approaching legislators as constituents—you maximize the chance that they will understand and support your mission.