How to Schedule a Lobby Visit

Here are some steps that will increase your chance of getting a meeting:

1. Call your senators’ or representative’s local office(s). You can look up the number using our online congressional directory. Ask for the scheduler’s name and his or her fax number.
2. Put together a written request for a meeting with the senator or representative. Nearly all verbal requests are rejected. Send the written request to the scheduler and copy any other staff members you know in the office (the original must go to the scheduler). The request should be less than a page long and should include
   • who is in your delegation, with their titles or affiliations;
   • what you want: a 30-minute meeting with the senator/representative;
   • when you want to meet: specify the days and times your delegation can meet;
   • where you want to meet: give the location of the district office closest to you ; and
   • why you want to meet.
   Tip: Check FCNL’s online congressional directory for your members’ contact information, as well as background information, committee assignments, and voting records. You will also find their declared religious affiliations, which can be useful for an interfaith delegation.
3. Fax in the written request as soon as you can, even if you don’t have the full delegation.
4. Follow up with a phone call to the scheduler one day after you fax the written request. Don’t ask if they have an answer; just ask if they've received the request.
5. Follow up again two to three days later to see if there is an answer.