TOWN HALL MEETINGS AND MORE
Representatives sometimes schedule town hall
meetings and “drop in” sessions in home districts. If you decide to use some
events to discuss H.R.3438 with your legislator, keep the following in mind:
o Identify yourself, your cause and organization. If called on to speak at a town
hall meeting, make it clear who you are and what issue concerns you. If you speak about
gynecologic cancers or Johanna’s Law, note any cancer connection (e.g. "I
am a cancer survivor" or "a family member of a survivor").
o Be concise. Brevity counts at town hall meetings. Be prepared in 60 seconds or
less to introduce yourself and Johanna’s Law. Include in your remarks what H.R.3438
will do and why it is needed.
o Explain how issue affects you. In your comments, share any impact women’s
cancers have had on your life or that of friends and family. Focus on facts that
underscore the urgent need for this bill.
o Be diplomatic. Following your explanation, ask your legislator if he/she is
already familiar with the bill and planning to co-sponsor it. Make the tone of your
question diplomatic not critical. Do not embarrass or badger your legislator into
co-sponsoring. Just explain the need for the bill, it’s importance to your family and
friends, and reiterate your request for support.
o Prepare Plan "B." If you aren’t able to talk during the event
--- or comfortable doing so, you may be able to speak briefly with your legislator or a
staff member afterward. Be prepared in 60 seconds or less to introduce yourself and
Johanna’s Law. Ask who to follow up with regarding co-sponsorship.
o Follow Up. If you spoke during meeting, send a follow up note. Thank your
legislator for taking your question. Restate your request for your Representative to
co-sponsor H.R.3438. Remind him/her of its importance to your family and friends. Include
facts that underscore the need for the bill. Consider mentioning the coalition of
organizations supporting H.R.3438. (Click here
for a list).
o Preparation pays. Although this type of visit is unscheduled, preparing for it
can go a long way to enhance your impact. If you are asking your legislator to co-sponsor
H.R.3438, be familiar with the bill: its name, number, sponsors, what it does, why
it’s needed. (Click here for bill summary/talking points).
o Introductions count. When introducing yourself, note that you are a constituent
and mention any cancer connection (e.g. "I am a cancer survivor" or "I
lost my friend/sister/wife to ovarian cancer"). If you represent or are a member
of a cancer-related group, mention that as well.
o Brevity is key. You may only have 2-10 minutes for a "drop in"
visit. Plan your remarks accordingly.
o Bring leave behinds. Your legislator will likely want to know more about
Johanna’s Law before deciding to co-sponsor it. Bring a copy of the bill summary (click here) and list of supporting organizations (click here). Be careful not to overload busy legislators
with too much to read.
o Follow Up. Send a note thanking your legislator for meeting and for co-sponsoring
H.R.3438, if a commitment to do so was made during your visit. If no decision to
co-sponsor was made yet, note key points from your meeting and restate your request for
your legislator to co-sponsor the bill.
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For more tips about individual or group meetings with legislators
in your local area, click here.
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