Include other constituents
There is power in numbers. Show that you are one of many constituents concerned with PH by involving others. Some options may include: circulating a petition in your community and presenting it at your meeting, inviting friends or family to come with you in a show of support, or getting a leader in your community (like a minister or mayor) to come with you or write a letter in support of PH legislation that you can present to the Representative/Senator at your meeting.
Dress with authority
Present your appearance with care. Business casual style of dress is appropriate for this event.
Choose a group leader
The group leader should be prepared to give a brief overview of what PHA does, what the support group does, and what the purpose of the meeting is (i.e. “we’re here today to encourage Representative Castro to co-sponsor important PH legislation). The group leader should also be prepared to take questions about the Act. It’s OK if they don’t know all the answers (see #4).
Appoint a recorder
No group will be able to answer all the questions they are asked. That’s OK! If your group can’t answer a question, the recorder should write down the question and the contact information of the person who asked it. Then, questions should be forwarded to PHA so that they can be addressed.
Plan what to say
Once the group leader introduces the group as a whole and talks about the purpose of the meeting, each person should say their name and where they are from. In a small group, each person may have time to mention one important part of their personal story (i.e. I’m on Viagra but my insurance won’t cover it, I went to 4 doctors before I was diagnosed, my wife has PH and sometimes she can’t even get out of bed, etc.). In a large group, the group should agree ahead of time who will tell their stories.
Be brief!
Members of Congress and their staff often over-book their days, so even a meeting that is only scheduled to be 15 minutes may get cut short. Keep each person’s statements VERY brief. Then, if you have time, go back and tell more personal stories.
Take questions
Once the group has finished their presentation, the group leader should offer to answer any questions.
The
information provided on the PHA website is provided for general information
only. It is not intended as legal, medical or other professional
advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations
with qualified professionals who are familiar with your individual
needs.
