In-District Meeting Guide

Scheduling an In-District Meeting

1. Request a meeting:

• Find your representative’s contact information. You can call their district office and ask who to send a meeting request to or visit the official’s website.
• Include who you are, why you’re requesting a meeting, who will be attending the meeting, and potential dates in the request.

2. Follow up on your request:

• Haven’t heard back or gotten a specific date/time for a meeting? Politely follow up after one week.

3. Connect with ANA

• Once you have a meeting scheduled, let us know! ANA’s Policy and Government Affairs team is here to answer technical questions.

Tips and Tricks

• Plan ahead: It often takes multiple weeks to set up a meeting in the district. Offer multiple dates and times and follow up on the request as needed.
• Be flexible: Meetings may be rescheduled or moved as Members’ schedules are constantly in flux. When a meeting date and time is offered, we encourage you to accept it, even if not all interested parties can attend.
• Connect with your state association: Reach out to your state nursing association as they may already have a meeting scheduled or additional resources.

Have questions or concerns about your meeting? Reach out to GOVA@ana.org.

Making the Most of your Meetings

• Be prepared: Review the issues in advance and bring materials. Research your Members of Congress to learn their voting history, committees, etc.
• Dress professionally: You’re representing nursing, and we encourage you to dress accordingly! Wear your workwear or dress in business attire.
• Don’t stress if you don’t know: It’s better to say you’re not sure and follow up later than to provide uncertain answers.
• Share your story: Talk about YOU! Share your experiences as a nurse and constituent. Personal stories make the biggest impact.
• Make the ask: Be direct and confident about what you’d like your Member of Congress to do.