Legislative District Meetings

Purpose:

To effectively build and maintain relationships between county and state Farm Bureaus and elected officials. These meetings give county Farm Bureau leaders an opportunity to build the foundation that supports the lobbying activities of Public Policy staff. Members reinforce Ohio Farm Bureau policy positions in legislative district meetings.

Operating Procedures:

Each legislative district will have one OD to serve as the meeting coordinator. This OD will coordinate with members and other ODs in legislators' districts to plan the meetings.

Schedule Legislative District Meetings from February to April.

Monday and Friday all day, as well as, Thursday evenings are the best time to schedule the meeting because legislators are typically in the districts on these days

Assign issue topics, as defined by Farm Bureau legislative priorities, to various members in attendance to ensure all issues are covered

Additional meetings can be held later in the year as need arises to address special issues.

Before a legislative district meeting, the OD should contact the Public Policy Department to obtain specific information on the legislator and an issue update. Public Policy staff will be available to provide briefings to members before the legislator(s) arrives to explain issues and legislation status.

Tips For Conducting A Legislative District Meeting

Though the Organization Director will undertake most of the planning for the meeting, the Action Team Leader is in charge of conducting the meeting. If there are multiple Public Policy Action Team Leaders in the district, then this duty should alternate among them.

Preparation:

Assure that both Farm Bureau members and the legislators will be on hand.

Have specific issue information to each Farm Bureau member before the meeting. Ask Farm Bureau members to come early to the meeting and determine which member will present the Farm Bureau’s position on each issue and to which legislator.

Outline structure of the meeting, and brief them on issues to be discussed. Let the legislator know ahead of time what issues you want to discuss.

At the Meeting:

Arrange the room in such a manner that everyone can speak easily with the legislator.

Make the appropriate introductions.Keep the atmosphere informal but organized.

If a meal is included, keep the conversation going on the issues while you eat

Give the legislator time to speak to the group and have individual members present Farm Bureau's policy on the issues.

Be prepared with questions to keep the conversation going.

Stay away from small talk after the opening and introductions.

Sample Agenda:

10:45 a.m. Call to Order, Purpose, Introductions

10:55 a.m.    Briefing on State issues
                       Assignments to committee

12:00 noon   Greet Legislator upon Arrival
                      Working Lunch with Legislator
                      Introductions
                      Discussion of issues
                  Photo session

1:30 p.m. Adjourn