We’ve created Meet Your Legislator Day to give families another opportunity to make that connection!

As homeschool families in Colorado, we enjoy the fruit of many years of vigilant service by others who have fought for our freedom. We must guard that freedom carefully! But how?

That’s where CHEC’s Colorado Homeschool Freedom Team comes in. Led by homeschool mom and CHEC Legislative Liaison Carolyn Martin, the team works throughout the year keeping watch on legal issues, reviewing hundreds of proposed bills for their potential effect on home education, parental rights, and religious liberty. (Learn more about the team here.)

But one of the greatest tools for an effective impact on any legislation regarding homeschooling is YOU! Personally meeting your elected official will help you know first-hand who is making decisions on your behalf at the Capitol, and it will strengthen our stand for homeschool liberty in both the House and the Senate.

We understand it can be intimidating to know all the ins & outs, so we’ve created this one-day event to help make it simple. We’re looking forward to a great day!

1. First, register for Meet Your Legislator Day so we can plan for you!
2. Click here to find out who your legislators are.  After putting in your address, information on your Representative and Senator should appear. Their phone number and email address should be listed.
   • When requesting a specific date for an appointment, please contact them at least two weeks in advance.
   • Call the number listed. Often it will be their aide that answers the phone.
     1. Introduce yourself, making sure to let them know you are one of their constituents, and ask them if it would be possible to meet with your legislator.
     2. They will ask you what you would like to discuss. If there is a specific topic you would like to discuss make sure to mention it. (It is not possible for them to know about every issue, so please, be respectful and give them fair warning if there is a topic you want to cover. Remember, we are trying to build relationships!) Otherwise, just let them know that you are a concerned citizen who would like to meet your representative.  (Click here for tips on what to talk about at your meeting.)
     3. They may ask you how much time you will need. Fifteen minutes should be sufficient if you don’t have a specific topic you need to discuss.
     4. Let them know who you will be bringing with you.
     5. Be flexible. They may not be available that day.
     6. If they don’t answer the phone, leave a detailed message. Follow up the voice message with an email.
     7. If you do speak to the aide, make sure to get their name so that you can address them properly when you arrive for the appointment.
   • The aide will usually send you an email confirmation verifying your appointment. Make sure to reply to this email.
   • The day before your appointment, email the aide to let them know you are looking forward to your appointment.
   • If there is any change in your schedule, please, let them know as soon as possible.
3. Read the “Directions & Instructions for Visiting the Capitol” below on this page for details on parking and proper attire.
4. Bake some yummy homemade goodies to share with your legislators’ offices.
5. Come prepared with the things you would like to mention. See this page for more information.
6. Get familiar with your legislator by going to their website and searching for recent articles on them.
7. Arrive at least 10 minutes early and let the aide know you are there. They will direct you to a waiting area.
8. Bring your camera and take a picture with your legislator!

Need help contacting your legislator? Email Carolyn Martin (carolyn@chec.org) and she will be glad to help you out.

We suggest that you bring a homemade baked goodie (such as a pie, sweet bread, cookies, etc.) to leave with your legislator at their office and brighten their day!

It’s a great opportunity to bring your children to the Colorado State Capitol and show them how to connect personally with elected officials. Make it a fun field trip day!

• What to wear? Due to the formal business atmosphere at the Capitol, all attendees should dress in business or church attire  — first impressions are important. Dress nicely, speak kindly, and keep children quietly and respectfully by your side.
• Driving?  There is plenty of paid parking (street or lot) near the Capitol, but please note that there is no public parking available at the Capitol.  Car pooling is encouraged – make the drive a fun one with other homeschool families!  Click here for a map of suggested parking areas.
• Light Rail? This could make for a fun add-on to your field trip! The light rail train comes within just a few blocks of the Capitol. For route, schedule, and price information click here.