MEETINGS
National Air Traffic Controllers Association | www.natca.org
NiW Today
19
Congressional Meeting Tips
DON'T:
Don't.overload.a.Congressional.visit.with.too.many.issues;.be.concise.and.focused.
Don't.be.offended.if.a.member.is.unable.to.meet.at.the.last.moment.and.requests.
that.you.meet.with.their.staff..Vote.schedules.and.committee.actions.can.change.
minute-to-minute.and.scheduling.conflicts.do.occur..Staff.often.drive.an.issue,.
and.are.responsible.for.bringing.consensus.to.the.member's.attention.and.drafting.
legislation..Use.an.unexpected.staff-level.meeting.as.an.opportunity.to.build.an.
important.relationship.with.staff..The.staffer.you.meet.with.may.be.a.future.chief.of.
staff.or.even.a.member.of.Congress.
Don't.cut.off.a.member.who.shows.real.interest.in.one.of.your.points.simply.to.make.
it.through.your.list..Answer.their.questions.and.move.on.to.your.next.talking.point..If.
possible,.use.their.interest.as.an.opportunity.to.suggest.they.visit.a.local.facility.
Don't.argue.with,.pressure,.beg,.or.threaten.a.member..Be.polite.and.respectful.even.
if.their.views.differ.from.your.own..Speak.calmly.and.state.your.points..It's.okay.to.
disagree.in.a.respectful.manner.
Don't.overstate.the.case..Leave.time.for.discussion.and.be.sure.to.highlight.how.your.
issue.affects.the.Congressperson's.district.and.constituents..
Don't.expect.members.of.Congress.to.be.experts..Their.schedules.and.workloads.
tend.to.make.them.generalists..Avoid.using.acronyms.and.industry.lingo.
Don't.convey.negative.attitudes.about.politics.or.politicians..This.is.not.the.time.to.
express.your.personal.political.thoughts.–.you.are.representing.NATCA..Remember.
that.most.legislators.and.staff.are.hardworking.even.though.you.may.not.agree.
with.their.point.of.view..Be.sure.to.express.appreciation.for.past.support.
Don't.interrupt.a.meeting.that.has.already.begun..If.you.arrive.late,.wait.outside.
until.the.meeting.concludes.
