Attend an Event
Attending an event where your elected official or a key decision maker is speaking and asking them a question is a great way to thank them in public for something good they may have done, ask them to take a specific action on a key issue, or ask them to take on a leadership role.
How to Attend an Event
Find an event. Find out when and where the elected official or key decision maker will be speaking or holding a candidate forum. Check the officials’ website for information and add your name to their email list. Look at your local paper’s community calendar, political blogs and other sources for information about upcoming events they might attend.
Do your homework. Learn as much about the candidate in advance as you can this will help you to better craft your questions. Research their biography, or go to the members’ website for information.
Prepare your questions ahead of time. Be respectful, confident, considerate and persistent about getting an answer to your question.
Work in teams if you attend with other individuals or other organizations. Each questioner should stick to one specific topic, so your team should work out who will ask what questions in advance. Check for a sign-up sheet for questions. Ask one of the team members to be the designated “note taker” to ensure that all information, answers and promises by the targeted individual are written down.
Stick around at the end of the event.
You may get an opportunity to speak further with the policymaker after the formal agenda has concluded. Approach like-minded individuals from the audience who asked related questions and get their contact information. Avoid getting into debates with others with a different viewpoint.
Above all, stay on message. Don’t get distracted or angry if your question is dismissed out of hand. Be forceful in repeating the question and asking for an appropriate response.
