During their August recess, members of Congress return to their districts, where they often host town halls and meet with constituents. This offers you an in-person opportunity to raise issues of importance with your elected federal officials. As August approaches, visit your elected officials’ websites to learn what events they are hosting and attending. With the midterm elections only a few months away, these can be great opportunities to ask questions, voice your perspective, or simply get to know your senators and representative and their staff.
Do not underestimate the opportunities here—we know Episcopalians who have been the only people to show up at a recess event, giving them considerable time to converse with their elected officials.
You can also try to set up your own meetings by reaching out to a district office and working with their scheduler. Remember to send any invitations or meeting requests in advance as your representatives are likely to have busy schedules during the time they are in district. To help you prepare for your meeting, review Faith and Citizenship: A Guide to Effective Advocacy for Episcopalians. We also have this sample guide to an effective meeting.
Not sure what to talk about during your meeting? Use one of our Action Alerts to guide your time, sharing in person the alert message you would normally send by email.
This month can also be an opportunity to invite your elected officials to a site visit at your church to help them gain insight into the operations and needs of your ministries.
Able to connect at an August recess event? Let us know about it afterward by writing to us at eppn@episcopalchurch.org.
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