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Prepare for a Successful Office Visit
- Gather a group of dog owners and make an appointment at the local district office. Fridays are best because that is when legislators are usually in the district.
- You may meet with staff, but remember that legislators rely heavily on their staff and they can influence how a legislators votes. It is very, very important to educate staff about the issue!
- If you do meet with staff in the district office, ask for the name of a staff member in the Capitol office that will be working on the bill. Mail copies of any letters and information to that staff member and follow up with a phone call to make sure your opposition is recorded in that office as well.
- At the beginning of the meeting identify if you are representing clubs and/or various interests (fanciers, agility, working dogs, hunters, field trial etc...). Be prepared to provide some interest about your club and events (number of members or participants, types of animals represented, civic activities the club is involved in, etc.)
- Dress professionally.
- Bring copies of the AKC Talking Points and personally hand deliver any letters from local clubs and constituents. It is important that they have materials that they can pass on to the legislator.
- Always be polite and respectful of the Senator or staff member's time. Plan on 10-15 minutes of discussion.
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