Capitol Hill Visit Packet

February 2013

TO:  Social Ministry Colleagues
FROM:  Capitol Hill Visits Organizing Committee
RE:  Important reminders during your meetings with Members of Congress

Welcome to Washington, D.C., where as members of the Catholic family we bring a unified message in support of important issues that affect our sisters and brothers here and around the world.

To be effective advocates, it is important to develop and/or strengthen relationships with your Senators and Representatives and their staffs through early and frequent contact. If you have not already met them, the meetings this week are a great first step. We hope you will also be able to continue your advocacy when your Members are at home. This packet contains information on effective Congressional advocacy strategies that we hope you will find helpful. Please refer to your program for more details or ask Gathering staff about any of the meetings and sessions outlined below.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• A First-Timers Orientation (also for those who want to refresh their skills) will be held at Sunday, February 10, 1:30 p.m.
• A state captains meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 10, 2:30 p.m. State captains and co-captains will meet to go over final details on organizing their state delegations for Capitol Hill visits. (State captains are identified ahead of time.)
• All state delegations will meet over a box lunch on Monday, February 11, at 12:30 p.m. or at an alternate time agreed upon with your state captain.
• The domestic and international policy briefings on Monday, February 11, 3:45-5:30 p.m. will explore more concretely the issues we will be advocating on Capitol Hill. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and to receive clarifications and the most up-to-date information on the issues. You can also watch the presentation or scroll through the PowerPoint about this year's advocacy issues.
  
• Do not forget to leave a packet of information with each office you visit. Packets will be provided to state captains. If you need additional packets, see the registration desk for more copies.  
• Please invite Members and staff to our Capitol Hill Reception on Tuesday, February 12, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Caucus Room, Russell Senate Building. Copies of the invitation are in the leave-behind packets.
• After the visit, please complete the Hill Visit Report Form, to let us know about the results of your Hill visits. A copy of the form is in your registration packet. Your feedback is helpful as we continue to advocate on these issues here in Washington, D.C.