Our 2nd annual lobby days are behind us, but that doesn’t mean that our legislative efforts are over! We have learned a lot from this experience, and we are ready to move forward in the upcoming year as we grow our legislative work.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2016 Lobby Days, whether by coming to D.C, visiting in your home state, calling your local offices, or posting online. It is clear from the feedback we have received from Congressional staff members and VFP supporters that WE WERE HEARD!
The focus of our visits this year were on the recent increase in spending on nuclear weapons and on moving the Agent Orange Relief and Recovery Act. We highlighted the important issue of deported veterans, and discovered that many of our leaders were unaware that this was happening to men and women who served our country. We also asked all Representatives and the Senators to take a public stand to oppose hate speech and Islamophobia.
A few things we learned:
- Schedule meetings in advance! (And follow up with the offices if you don’t hear back).
- Keep e-mails with staff members short, concise, and to the point.
- Tell your personal story. They will respond to your authenticity!
- During the visit, stay on topic and have a clear ask.
- Get contact information to follow up after the visit.
Even though our Lobby Days have ended, you can still take action!
- E-mail casey@veteransforpeace.org to join our legislative e-mail list.
- Find out who represents you.
- Schedule a visit with your representative or senator. Use our talking points!
- Donate to VFP to support or legislative work.