How to Connect with Your Lawmaker

You don’t have to travel to Washington, DC to make a difference. As neighbors, patients, caregivers, and advocates, our voices matter here at home. Three effective ways to connect with your members of Congress are:

  1. Call their office – A quick, effective way to share what matters to our community.

  2. Schedule an in-district meeting – A focused time to talk through key issues.

  3. Do an in-district drop-by – A simple way to deliver materials and make a friendly impression.

Calling Your Member of Congress

It’s easy to call your members of Congress. Find phone numbers on their websites or ask the Capitol Switchboard to connect you at (202) 224-3121. Not sure who represents you? Look it up on GovTrack.

Best Practices for Calling

  • Ask for the Health Legislative Assistant. This staffer handles healthcare issues and can relay your message effectively.

  • Introduce yourself. Share your name, where you live, and that you are a constituent.

  • Identify the issue. Say what you’re calling about and briefly state your position.

  • Make a clear ask. Ask whether your legislator supports the issue and request a specific action (for example, co-sponsoring a bill).

  • Leave your contact information. Request a return call or a written response so your voice is recorded and heard.

Scheduling an In-District Meeting

Meeting face-to-face allows deeper conversation and relationship building. Here’s how to set it up:

Best Practices for Scheduling a Meeting

  • Find your lawmaker’s local office. Use GovTrack to locate district offices.

  • Call the local office. Ask about their preferred process for scheduling in-district meetings.

  • Email the scheduler. Most offices want an email request that includes:

    • Your name and (if applicable) your organization

    • The purpose of your visit

    • The names of participants

    • Your availability for the meeting

  • Confirm your appointment. Schedules change often—confirm about a week before the meeting.

Best Practices for the Meeting

  • Introduce yourself. Share your name, where you live, and why you’re visiting.

  • Share your story. Personal experiences show why the issue matters in our district.

  • Present your asks. Be clear about the action you’re requesting (e.g., co-sponsoring a bill).

  • Answer questions honestly. If you don’t know something, promise to follow up.

  • Offer to be a resource. Let the legislator or staff know you’re available for future conversations.

After Your Visit

  • Send a thank-you email. Reiterate key points and gratitude for their time.

  • Provide follow-up information. Send any promised materials or answers.

  • Keep in touch. Ongoing communication builds a lasting relationship.

  • Capture the moment & engage on social media. If appropriate, take a photo with the office sign and tag your lawmaker to highlight the visit.

Conducting an In-District Drop-By

If you can’t schedule a meeting, drop off materials during office hours—especially helpful during congressional recess when lawmakers are home in the district.

Best Practices for a Drop-By

  • Find your lawmaker’s local office. Use GovTrack to locate it.

  • Bring informational materials. A one-page handout summarizing the key issue and your request is perfect.

  • Introduce yourself to staff. Explain why you’re there and ask them to pass your materials along to the legislator.

  • Follow up. Send an email to confirm they received the materials and restate your ask.

  • Capture the moment & engage on social media. A quick selfie with the office sign helps raise awareness—tag your lawmaker.

By taking these steps, you’ll build positive relationships with your legislators and advocate for policies that matter to the bleeding disorders community—right here at home.