Have a Face-to-Face Meeting

• The most effective way to communicate with your elected officials is through a face-to-face meeting

• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us haven't been interacting with anyone face-to-face, especially not our legislators

  • It may still be possible to schedule a face-to-face video call with your legislator or their staff

Request a Meeting

• When you contact their office:

  • Try to speak directly with a scheduler

  • Introduce yourself, including where you live so they know you are a constituent

  • Identify the issue you plan to discuss

  • Get the name and contact information for the staff members you will be meeting with

• A few days in advance of your meeting confirm your appointment

Click Here for Sample Scripting to Schedule an Appointment

Preparing for Your Meeting

• If you're feel nervous or uncertain about your meeting, it may help to bring a few colleagues with you

• Plan what you will say and who will say it

Recommended Roles, if meeting with a Legislator as a Group

• Meeting Leader: Will open and close the meeting & keep the meeting focus on the agenda

• Storyteller: 1-2 people who have a compelling story about how the legislation will impact them personally

• Pitcher: Makes the ask for the legislator's support

• Recorder: Takes detailed notes

• Support Team: These do not need to be speaking roles, but can provide support in numbers

Recommended Content/Agenda for Your Meeting

1. Introductions (include roles, relevant associates, and any personal connections to the legislator)

2. Explain why you scheduled the meeting

• This is a good time to share a personal story related to the Midwifery Modernization Bill

• May also be useful to use the Phone Call Script

3. Articulate what you are asking for

4. Answer any questions

5. Thank them for their time and leave behind written reference materials

• Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health: What is a Midwife?

• ACNM Pennsylvania Midwifery Fact Sheet

• United States Practice Environment Map

• ACNM & ACOG Joint Statement on Practice Relations

After Your Meeting

• Debrief with your group to identify what went well and what could be improved for next time

• Immediately follow up with your legislator with a thank you and provide any follow up information requested by the legislator and their staff (PPAF, n.d.)

• Email PA-ACNM at midwivesPA@gmail.com to let them know how it went!

Still feeling uncertain and want to buddy up to visit a legislator?

Reach out to PA-ACNM Legislative Committee Co-Chair Emily McGahey at emilymcgahey@gmail.com