1st Annual DOTH in Your District
Traditionally, the Congress takes a recess during August and members travel back to their districts. This provides an excellent opportunity for constituents to meet with Members in a more localized, relaxed setting than Washington. And, all of this can be done without the time and expense of having to travel to the nation’s capital.
Given the opportunity this presents, NARPM is conducting the 1st Annual DOTH in your District.
At the outset, it is important to point out that this year’s August recess will be a little different. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has announced that the Senate will be in session for most of the month of August, except for the first full week (August 6-10). At this time, it appears that the House will be in recess from July 30 through August 31. As a result, we encourage you to concentrate on meetings with House members.
Requesting the Meeting
- You should reach out now to your House member to request an appointment during the August recess. You can verify and click through to your Member’s website here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
- The easiest thing to do is to call one of the district offices and request a meeting during the August recess. District office contact information is on the Congressional member’s website.
- Make sure that the person requesting the meeting is a constituent. You can include other NARPM members, but you need to have a constituent request and be the point person for the meeting.
- In order to help make sure there are not multiple requests, it may be helpful, when applicable, to coordinate meeting requests at the chapter level.
Preparing for the Meeting
- Around July 16, check back at this site for talking points. With several issues having the potential for developments before the August recess, we want to be sure you have the most up-to-date talking points.
The Meeting Itself
- Be clear and concise about what you’re asking for.
- Build a plausible and honest case for your particular legislative item or package.
- Anticipate and be prepared to answer difficult questions that you might expect your opponents to ask.
- If you can’t answer a question during the meeting, find the answer later and follow-up with the elected official.
- Reiterate that NARPM is a resource for the Member of Congress.
Afterwards
- Be sure to send a “thank you” to the Congressional Member for meeting with you/your group.
- Please complete the NARPM feedback form and forward to tcraddock@narpm.org. You can include follow-up items from the meeting that NARPM staff needs to address.
At all times, please take pictures and post to social media with the hashtag #NARPMDOTH.
Copyright © 2024 National Association of Residential Property Managers®. All Rights Reserved. Do not reprint without permission.