SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROMTU VISITS

Find your representative’s office and introduce yourself and your charter school (include the word charter if it’s not in the name of the school). Speak with the receptionist and explain that you are visiting Sacramento from their District.

Ask if it’s possible to meet the Senator/Assemblymember or their staff member who works on education matters. When you don’t have an appointment, emphasize that you are visiting from their district for the day.

Have your business cards in easy reach. This is a profession where business cards are used. Each staff member you meet will have a card and will, most likely, offer it to you and ask for yours.

If you have not met your representative, the purpose of the first meeting is to introduce yourself, discuss charter schools, and invite them to visit your school site. If possible, include the information in the suggested talking points.

If you have already met your representative, the purpose of this meeting is to reintroduce yourself, remind them of your charter school and to cover the information in the talking points. Invite them to visit your school site.

Don’t stay too long. Five to ten minutes is an extremely generous amount of time when there is no prior appointment. Don’t be insulted if you only get two minutes standing in the reception area.

Always be polite and courteous. You are gathering information and seeking support, not debating issues. You are representing all California charter schools.

Send a thank you note (US mail, not fax or e-mail) within three days expressing appreciation for their making time to meet with you and enclosing any information you promised to send.

CONGRATULATE YOURSELF FOR BEING AN ADVOCATE FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS!

For assistance or any additional information please contact

Helen Wallquist at (916) 448-0995 or wallquist@canec.org