Structure of Your Meeting
Preparing for your Congressional Meetings
Prepare a short document sharing your personal story
Collect letters and stories from other impacted by NF –Let Members of Congress know they have constituents impacted by NF in their state/district.
Important Points
Make it local -you are the constituent.
Make it Personal –tell your story.
Remember to ask for support, don’t assume they will help.
You’re likely to meet Staff and not the Members.
Be flexible about where you’re meeting is held -you may be asked to meet in the hall or in the cafeteria.
Meetings could last just 15 minutes. Plan to make your point quickly if necessary.
Meeting Details
Introduce yourself and share where you are from.
Give a brief background on NF –what is it and where does research funding come from Department of Defense (DOD) and National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Share your story.
Ask for their support (sign letter, put NF on their wish list).
Leave behind a packet of information explaining NF, our request and your contact information.
Thank them for their time and invite them to contact you with any questions.
