How to Set Up a Legislative Visit

Meeting with your elected officials remains one of the most effective ways to influence public policy. Face‑to‑face conversations help lawmakers and their staff understand how issues affect farms, families and rural communities. When constituents from the district speak directly with legislators, they bring trust, credibility and real‑world experience to the conversation in Madison and Washington, D.C.

This guide explains how to set up a legislative visit and make the most of your time.

Before the Legislative Visit

Request an appointment early. Contact the legislator’s office to schedule a meeting, and be clear that you are a constituent. Expect changes. Legislative calendars shift quickly because of hearings, votes and committee meetings.

Consider meeting in the district. Lawmakers often have more time when they are home. Many hold office hours during legislative or congressional recesses at district offices or community locations. District meetings often feel less rushed than visits to the Capitol, though you may need to travel to Madison or Washington, D.C. when schedules require it.

Do your homework. Understand the issues you plan to discuss and know where related legislation stands. Use resources from your county Farm Bureau, district coordinator, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, American Farm Bureau Federation or government agencies.

Know your legislator. Research the lawmaker’s priorities, committee assignments and public positions. Look for ways to connect your issue to their interests or to impacts in their district.

Plan the meeting. Define up to three key messages. Support each with two or three brief examples or personal stories. If you are attending as a group, decide who will lead each part of the conversation. Clear planning keeps the discussion focused and avoids awkward pauses.

Prepare a leave‑behind. Bring a short summary of your key points with contact information for everyone attending. If you plan to discuss multiple issues, use a separate handout for each topic.

Dress and act professionally. Choose attire you would wear to a job interview. Wear comfortable shoes, especially in Washington, D.C., where walking between offices is common.

Arrive on time. Late arrivals often result in shorter meetings or cancellations. Call the office if you are running late and ask about rescheduling if needed.

Stay flexible. Be ready to meet with staff members or in informal spaces like reception areas or hallways. Staff play a major role in shaping policy recommendations and deserve the same respect as legislators.

During the Legislative Visit

Build rapport. Start with brief small talk to establish a personal connection. Remember you are speaking with people who serve their communities, just like you.

Stay on message. Time is limited. Focus on your three key points and avoid unnecessary details that distract from your main message.

Stick to the facts. Share what you know. Avoid speculation or exaggerated claims. If you do not know an answer, say so and offer to follow up.

Make it local. Lawmakers value district‑level insight. Share examples from your farm, business or community. Use local or state data when possible rather than national statistics.

Invite discussion. Encourage questions and allow time for dialogue. Productive conversations build trust and understanding.

Make the ask. Clearly state what action you want the legislator to take, such as supporting or opposing a bill. Without a specific request, follow‑through is unlikely.

Exchange contact information. Collect business cards and offer yourself as a resource on agricultural or rural issues.

Remain respectful. Listen carefully, even if the legislator disagrees. Stay calm, courteous and professional at all times.

After the Legislative Visit

Follow up promptly. Send a thank‑you email that restates your key points. Provide any additional information you promised during the meeting.

Stay engaged. Effective advocacy builds relationships over time. Schedule future visits and invite legislators or staff to your farm or business to continue the conversation.

A well‑planned meeting strengthens agriculture’s voice and helps lawmakers make informed decisions. Knowing how to set up a legislative visit gives you a powerful tool to advocate for your farm, your family and your community.

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Need more information?

Need to know who your elected officials are at the state and federal level? Want to know how to contact them? WFBF.com features a variety of resources useful for your grassroots advocacy efforts.

Visit the local, state and national agricultural issues pages to learn about issues impacting agriculture and rural Wisconsin. You can track the status of current state legislation and regulations as well as learn about policies important to Wisconsin agriculture from these pages. Learn more at wfbf.com/policy.