INVITING YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS ON A SITE VISIT OF YOUR LAB OR INSTITUTION

Inviting your member of Congress on a site visit to your lab or institution is an ideal way to make a lasting impression. These visits provide an opportunity to demonstrate to your member, first-hand, the progress occurring in medical research and the breakthrough innovation occurring in their own home state or district.

Meeting Preparation:

• Members of Congress typically return to their home states and districts on weekends and during congressional work periods to visit with constituents.

• Extend an invitation to either your member's Washington, D.C., office or nearest district office. Be sure to include the following information: the location and description of your lab or institution, dates and times you are available to host the member, any specific issues you wish to discuss and the names of any others who will be in attendance.

• If your member is not available, a member of their staff may be available to attend on their behalf. Members rely on staff to advise them on important issues and to make key decisions on their behalf. Building a strong relationship with staff is imperative.

• Once you have received confirmation, give advance notice to anyone who will be involved in the site visit, including your staff as well as any public relations staff for your lab or institution, as they may be interested in coordinating media coverage and publicity.

During the Meeting:

• Focus on the two or three issues specific to your research area or your institution to discuss.

• Lead the member or staff on an interactive tour. Explain how your research is conducted and describe its potential for preventing and curing disease.

• Introduce the members of your staff and explain their roles.

• Emphasize the need for a significant investment in research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and use the visit to demonstrate how federal dollars are invested.

• If possible, describe how your work directly affects the member's district (in terms of lives saved, cost savings, economic stimulus or global competitiveness).

Following-Up:

• Send a thank you note and follow-up information to ensure that the member and staff keep your points in mind.

• Offer your expertise if it is needed in the future.