Why Now Is the Perfect Moment to Showcase Your Nonprofit to Policymakers

Remember how much you loved recess when you were in school? How about show and tell? August 5th ushered in an almost month-long summer recess for Congress — they go home, go on vacation and spend time with their constituents. And in cities and states, policymakers are gearing up for their fall schedules. This is perfect timing for you as a social sector leader to get into the school spirit and offer your own brand of show and tell. Our local, state and federal leaders need us, as experts in the industry, to help educate them on our issues. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to invite your elected officials to tour your facilities. Whether your elected official comes or sends one of their key staffers, you will have the opportunity to showcase your organization and highlight the issues your clients and patrons face in a meaningful way. In fact, elected officials often look for ways to interact with the community — especially while on recess — to learn more from and connect with their constituents. To help get you started, we’ve outlined a step-by-step process to start building these relationships today:

1. Email your elected officials’ district director.

For your ease, we have a sample below (assuming you have not met; if you have met, note the connection):

[Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing as a constituent of [state/district name] on behalf of [organization name], which is located in [location, if relevant]. I would like to request a meeting (or offer to host a tour) with you or a person on your staff (and of course, Representative [Name], if [his/her] schedule allows) to discuss issues related to [X].

[Insert one-two sentences summarizing your organization’s work. Don’t forget to research and highlight any special connections your representative and/or staff may have to your issues or organization].

Please let me know if there is a day/time between [August dates] that would work best for you and your staff to meet. I look forward to hearing back from you soon and answering any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

[Name]

1. Follow up after a few days via phone to check in, if you have not heard anything.
2. Schedule meeting/tour: Be sure to invite constituents and board members, when possible.
3. Develop agenda: Use our helpful hints on meetings and storytelling.
4. Conduct tour/meeting: Take pictures. Pictures are a great way to get your story in your newsletter and in theirs.
5. Send handwritten thank you note afterward.
6. Post on social media to thank them for their time.
7. Subscribe to their regular newsletter to stay in touch.
8. Keep them abreast of updates and stay in touch at least every other month with a quick note.

People respond to stories and organizations they can visualize — and policymakers are no different. When you seize your opportunity to show your organization and tell its story, people will want to support it. The recess bell is ringing — it’s time to shine! If you have held policymaker meetings and tours, let us know what strategies worked best for you to make these successful.