Visit Your Legislator

Helpful Hints For Personally Visiting Your State Legislator:

The most effective way for you to lobby your legislator is to meet them personally in their office in Salem. When a voter from their district comes to their office at the Capitol everything stops. You are their priority. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to talk face to face with your elected representative about your concerns with civil unions and minority status for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals.

Here are some tips on personally visiting your legislator:

Schedule a meeting:

You can do this by contacting his/her office and setting an appointment with their staff.

Be on time:

You will probably have 10 - 15 minutes so be sure to arrive on time and ready to discuss the issues that concern you.

Practice the key points:

It is important that you are able to communicate effectively why you have the opinion you do. Legislators are very nice and you should not feel intimidated, but remember, you have their attention so come prepared.

Ask for their support, but be polite:

Your presence is enough for them to understand you are passionate about your position. Communicating in a respectful and courteous way will put a positive face on your position. Aggressive or angry debates will not help you win over their support. So be polite and have a good conversation.

Ask their position on the legislation:

Don’t be afraid to ask how your legislator will vote on this legislation. They may need more information or time to decide and in that case ask them if there is anything they can do to help make up their mind.

Be open and honest:

You don’t have to know the answer to every question. It is okay to say “I don’t know”.

Thank them for taking the time:

Whether or not they agree with you, thank them for taking time out of their very busy schedules to meet with you. If they are supportive be sure to thank them specifically for their support.

IF YOU NEED HELP MEETING YOUR LEGISLATOR, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT 503-257-0444

Directions to the Capitol Building:

From North I-5

Go South on I-5 to the #256 Exit (Market Street)
Go right on Market Street
Turn left on Summer Street
Turn left on Center Street
Right on Capitol Street
Turn right on Court Street.
Park in appropriate area for visitors.

From South I-5

Go North on I-5 to the #253 Exit (Mission Street/Hwy. 22)
Turn left on Mission Street/Hwy22.
Follow signs to State Offices & Willamette University.
Park in appropriate areas for visitors.

From West

Go East on Hwy 22 to Salem. This road becomes Center Street.
Stay on Center Street.
Turn right on Capitol.
Turn right on Court Street.

From East

Go West on Hwy 22 to Salem.
Follow signs to State Offices & Willamette University.
Turn left on Court Street.
Park in appropriate areas for visitors.