Visiting Your Legislator

The most effective way of getting your message across is to personally visit your representative.

Lobos for Legislation will provide you with current information regarding capitol office numbers and names of key legislative staff, voting records and a checklist of issues for you to discuss.

If necessary, we will also assist you in setting up an appointment with a legislator.

Please call us at 505.277.5808 or 1.800.ALUM.UNM or email us for assistance.

Plan Your Visit Carefully

Make an appointment by contacting the legislator's staff and let them know what you wish to discuss.

Be clear about what it is you want to achieve and have a mental agenda.

If necessary, prepare materials which will assist the legislator in understanding the issue and your position.
Always be sure to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled meeting time.

Be Patient

It isn't uncommon for a legislator to be detained because of constant demands on his/her schedule.

Be a Good Listener

It's important to the legislator to have his/her view heard.

Their comments and questions should provide insight for follow-up materials.

View the meeting as an exchange of thoughts and information.

Give an Example

Provide an example of how higher education has had a positive impact on you, your family, or someone in your home district to illustrate a point.

Be Responsive

Express to the legislator your willingness to get more information if he/she expresses interest or asks questions you're not prepared to answer.

Keep it Short

Keep it short and to the point.

Close the meeting quickly by summarizing key points.

Always be sure to thank the legislator for his or her time.

Send a Follow-up Letter

It's important to send a thank-you letter to the legislator and any staff who assisted you during your visit.

Reiterate your position, provide additional information if it was requested and request their future consideration.

Effectively Communicating with Legislative Staff

Legislative staff should always be treated with the same respect as the legislators themselves.

The staff are responsible for setting agendas, conveying messages and orchestrating the legislative calendar.

They often do most, if not all, research about current bills and issues.

It is critical to develop relationships with legislative staff members.

Always be Polite

Go out of your way to introduce yourself and develop a personal relationship.

Express your gratitude.

Mention the assistance of the staff when sending follow-up notes.

Contact the Lobos for Legislation Staff

Communicate with the Lobos for Legislation staff about your contact with the legislator.

Fill out the legislator tracking form and send it to us by mail or fax, or telephone us to let us know about your e-mail message.

UNM Alumni Association
Lobos for Legislation
1 University of New Mexico
MSC 01 - 1160
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505.277.5808 | 1.800.ALUM.UNM
505.277.6844 fax | alumni@unm.edu