Tips for Meeting with Legislators

Our goal is to put a positive face on homeschooling and express thanks to our legislators for serving.

It is important to develop personal communication with your government representatives. It does make a difference. They know that if you are taking the time to contact them, you will take the time to vote and encourage others to do the same. 

Click here to download a printable PDF of these tips.

Meeting Your Legislator

1. Find who your legislators are and their contact information by searching here.
2. Make an appointment:  Request to speak to the legislator’s aide and request a brief meeting to introduce yourself to your legislator- approximately 15 minutes.  You might also check and see if they are planning to have a “Meet and Greet” in your district, or if they would be willing to meet locally with you.
3. Meet with your legislator:  If meeting to discuss a particular bill, meet with your legislator by yourself, if possible.  This is not the time to introduce the whole family (unless it is for Meet Your Legislator Day or Homeschool Day at the Capitol, in which case children would be appropriate). See below for Conversation Starters and Tips on Talking.
4. Follow up with a personal thank-you note!

Conversation Starters

Basic Talking Point: Parents have the fundamental, unalienable right to direct the upbringing, care, and education of their children.

Find out where they stand on the following topics:

• Educational choice
• Parental rights regarding medical decisions 
• Parental rights in general

Tips on Talking

• Graciousness:  We are friendly, not hostile.  The majority of homeschoolers have chosen to homeschool because we want the best for our children.
• Investment:  Remember that trust and relationships take time.  Don’t expect to “convince” during the first meeting.  If this is your first meeting, view it as your introduction, your first impression. 
• Listening (and talking):
  • Be brief – If you are asked questions about homeschooling, keep your answers brief and wait for more questions.
  • Listen to what may be the underlying concern behind a question.  Don’t assume you’ve guessed correctly — ask!  “It sounds like you’re concerned about____? Is that correct?”  If not, you can answer the real concern.
  • Be Honest: If you don’t know the answer, let them know you’ve heard the question and ask if you can get back to them with more information. (Ex: “I haven’t thought of — or — I’m not familiar with the issue you’ve raised. I’d like to do some research and get back to you on that.”)  Then follow up!
  • Express appreciation: Our legislators put in long hours and are rarely thanked! If they have taken the time to talk with you, or meet with you privately, please remember to thank them for that, regardless of whether or not you agree with their positions. A handwritten note is also appreciated because it has become a rarity.

• Be Prayerful: Most importantly, seek God’s guidance and help, keeping in mind that, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16).

Learn more about the Colorado Homeschool Freedom Team