Want to make your voice heard but not sure where to start? The Refugee Advocacy Lab has created a step-by-step guide to help you confidently meet with your elected officials and advocate for refugee and immigrant communities in Georgia.
Anyone Can Advocate
Everyone has a voice. It’s up to us to decide how we want to use it. One way to speak out is to meet with your elected officials. Each meeting is an opportunity to influence policy decisions that ensure our communities are welcoming to everyone, regardless of where they were born. In Georgia, this can include advocating for more inclusive policies that support all Georgians, including refugee and immigrant communities, like reducing barriers to the workforce and to higher education, and ensuring that our elected officials oppose legislation that would make Georgia less welcoming and safe.
It can be daunting to meet with those who represent us, especially when we’re raising concerns. Keep reading for key recommendations from the Refugee Advocacy Lab on what to consider when preparing to meet with your state, local, and federal elected leaders so you can advocate with confidence.
Coordinating Calendars
To meet with your elected officials, you’ll first identify your representatives and the contact information for their office, and request a meeting. Then, prepare a message to them identifying yourself as a constituent, sharing the purpose for the meeting including any issues and legislation you wish to discuss, and suggesting specific dates and times to meet with them. Once you’ve made the request, follow up to confirm the meeting.
Preparation Is Key
Now that your meeting is scheduled, it’s time to prepare. First, set goals and objectives: Why are you meeting with them? What outcome do you hope to achieve? Do you have a policy or piece of legislation you want them to support or oppose? When setting these goals, it’s helpful to know detailed information about who you’re meeting with: What office do they hold? What is their party affiliation? What is their background on the issue you want to discuss? Do they have specific priorities for their office? Which ethnic communities are in their district? Which industries employ the most immigrants and refugees? To find this information, you can start with these resources:
- For members of Congress:
- For state elected officials:
- For local elected officials:
- Search for your city or county’s government website
- For all:
- Map the Impact – Georgia
- Data on City-Level Refugee Resettlement
- Data from the Immigration Research Initiative and Georgia Budget & Policy Institute on how Immigrants Are A Vital Part of Georgia’s Future
Second, organize your thoughts in an outline for the meeting. Often, these meetings are brief, and it’s crucial to get the most important information across in a way that resonates. Ask yourself: Why is this policy important for you, your family, or your community? How can you tailor this conversation to the office you’re meeting with? What questions do you think the elected official or their staff might ask? Finally, rehearse out loud to become familiar with the information and build confidence.
During The Meeting
It’s time for your meeting! First, thank them for meeting with you, and introduce yourself and the constituency you represent. Next, share the policy or legislation you want to discuss and why it matters to you. It’s especially powerful to connect the policy to your personal story and the relevance it has to the community the office represents. Also, make your ask clear, whether it’s voting yes or no on a bill, introducing a piece of legislation, or speaking out on an issue. Finally, leave time for the official or their staff to ask questions.
The Importance Of Following Up
After the meeting, make sure to follow up: Did they ask you for more information or to share resources with them? Share the requested information and, if nothing else, thank them for their time. This also increases the chances that they will remember you and meet with you again.
Congratulations, you’re officially an advocate! But the work doesn’t stop here. Now, you can become a familiar face, continue the conversation over time, and bring your neighbors with you as you advocate to ensure your community remains welcoming.
