OFFICE VISIT GUIDE

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

Call ahead. Some offices may change their office hours with short notice, so just call ahead to confirm that the office will be open when you intend to visit. There’s no need to schedule an appointment unless you’d like to have a longer conversation with the staff.

Why does this matter to you? Write a short personal message to your representative about why equality is so important to you, you can share a personal story about your experience with equality. This will ensure a written record of your visit and your message and make your trip even more effective.

DURING YOUR VISIT

Introduce yourself. Office resources vary, so you may be speaking to the office director, caseworker, or simply the person at the front desk. Make sure whoever greets you knows that you’re a constituent, and you’re there to express your support for equality. 

If you only have a moment, just make sure they record your name, address and where you stand on the issue. (Make sure to leave your written personal message with the staff!)

Share your story. If you can take a few minutes and you want to make an even bigger impression, ask to speak to whomever handles lgbt issues in that office. Tell them why equality is so important to you. If you feel comfortable, please consider sharing a personal story about yourself or a loved one. Take your time and speak from the heart. This is not a debate, and you don’t need to be an expert, just someone who knows firsthand why we urgently need equality.

Ask for their support. Before you leave, ask if your representative will commit to supporting the your call for equlity. 

Stay calm and positive. While some are attempting to disrupt and shut down debate, our goal is to engage in meaningful, respectful discussion. Remaining calm, positive and polite while speaking to any staff member is the best way to be heard.

Thank them for their time and hard work!

AFTER YOUR VISIT

Share the details of your visit. It’s really important for our organization to hear how these conversations go and how the staff respond. To tell us how it went, please email us at: info@mothersandothersva.org