1) Upon entering, tell the receptionist who you are and whom you want to see.  If the legislator is  unavailable, ask to meet with the legislator's aide.  (Understand that even if you have an appointment, sometimes legislators are unexpectedly called to participate in a vote or a caucus meeting.)

2) Be patient, it is not uncommon for your legislator and aides to be late because of hearings, committee meetings and voting sessions.  It is important that you understand their schedule.

1) Your delegation coordinator should introduce the group and state the purpose of the visit.  Be prepared, there is a chance you may be cut short, so make your main point clearly as soon as you can.

Example:  Good morning Representative Smith.  My name is and we are here representing the consumers and families of NAMI.  We would like to talk to you concerning your support  for the mental health services in your district that our loved ones rely upon to maintain their place in our community.

2) Each person should introduce themselves by name, where they live, and what they do.

3) At least one member of the delegation should share a personal experience or situation in the legislator's district that illustrates the need for better access to these services. 

Example:  I would like to introduce Mrs. Jones who will  tell you about her son, whose medication was switched even though he was stable and recovering.  The change in medication occurred because his doctor was directed to prescribe a less-effective, but less expensive medication. 

4) It is important to be clear and concise, and focus on the decision you want the legislator to make in support of NAMI.

5) Remember that you are not expected to be an expert.  If you don't know the answer to the question,  promise to get the answer.  Don't guess – find the answer and include it in a follow-up call to the legislator or aide.

6) "Close the deal!"  Don't be afraid to ask for a commitment on the issue you came to get an agreement on.  If you don't ask, then you are not doing what you made an appointment to do.

7) The delegation coordinator should close by reiterating your point, stating any follow-up information you have promised to get and leave your written materials.

8) Close the meeting by thanking the aide or legislator for their time and attention.

"When faced with a difficult visit, don't go in with the attitude that the person is going to do the wrong thing.  Go in with the view that the legislator or aide wants to do the right thing and you are there to help them do exactly that."

þ Select someone to write a follow-up letter thanking the legislator or aide for the meeting.  The letter should briefly reiterate your position and state your understanding of  the aide's or legislator's position.  Include the information or materials that you may have promised in the follow-up.

þ Now that you have made this initial meeting, it is important to keep the pressure on the legislator.  The best way is to maintain a steady drumbeat of letters from the members of your affiliate.  Hammer away at the point with your  legislator so there is no chance he or she will be allowed to dismiss NAMI's position.

þ Maintain official communication with your legislator and their aides.  Put them on your mailing list and invite them to meetings or events.  Remember that you are a valuable resource to your legislator and staff.