It's an Election Year. Take Advantage of Meet & Greet Events!
Every election year, candidates for state and federal offices can be found in their districts frequently. With the ever-present goal of getting re-elected, they show up to press the flesh and campaign for their jobs. Unlike at other times, this period is a great opportunity for their constituents.
The classic "Meet & Greet" events have some unique features that let folks get up close and personal with their elected officials and those who are running for positions for the first time. They're fundraising events, of course, but most don't require a monetary donation to attend.
Go to these events, especially in the early days of a campaign, even before the primary elections. Show up in your go to meeting clothing with a topic of interest to you in mind. Get there at the beginning of the event. In many cases you'll be one of a small group in attendance. Take the opportunity to walk up to the candidate and ask your question or offer your opinion on something. The candidate is there and will talk to you. Your congressional representative, your state legislator, and even your Senator is there and will, if not eagerly, listen to what you have to say.
Be polite. Be informed. Shake the candidate's hand. Look the candidate in the eye. Introduce yourself. Be complimentary about something the candidate has done, if you can. Then make your point and ask your question, concisely, clearly and reasonably. Always end with a question that can be answered briefly, and you'll get an answer. Now, you may not like the answer, but you'll also be talking to the candidate's primary opponent at other events, so at least you'll get an answer.
If you're really involved, you can go to multiple such events and do the same thing. You'll be asked to donate, but you can politely decline or demur from this.
Finally, soon after the event, follow up with a letter to the candidate. Refer to your meeting at the event and restate your issue to remind the candidate that you have talked about this. You can say more about your concerns or hopes in this communication. The likelihood that you'll get a response is much higher than simply writing without the connection.
It's worthwhile. It's an opportunity. I recommend taking advantage of the opportunity.
= new reply since forum marked as read
