Mark your calendars and plan to join us in the nation's capital to support funding to implement the state wildlife action plans, the country's core program for preventing wildlife from becoming endangered in every state.

Frequently Asked

What is the 2010 Ask?

  • Sign the letter of support for $115 million appropriations for the State Wildlife Grants

  • Support the TWW Act by becoming a co-sponsor to provide increased and dedicated funding for wildlife conservation

  • Support adaptation funding for wildlife in climate change legislation
     

How to Schedule a Meeting with your Member of Congress
 1. Call the office where you would like to meet: This contact information can be found at www.congress.org. It can also usually be found in your local phone book. When you call, ask for the name of the scheduler and the person who handles environmental issues and tell them you would like to schedule a meeting.

2. Send your request in writing: For a meeting with the Member of Congress, the office will usually ask you to send a request in writing. Be very specific about what you want (a personal meeting) and what you would like to meet about (State Wildlife Grants) Include any information the office requires, and make sure that there is correct contact information listed for at least one person in your group. Send the request to the scheduler and the environmental aide.

3. Follow up on your request-be persistent: Call the office if noone has contacted you in a week. If it seems like it will be difficult to get a meeting with your Member of Congress at this time, you could ask to meet with someone who works on environmental issues.

How to Prepare for your Meeting with your Member of Congress
 1. Prepare for the meeting: You do not need to be an expert, but you should be familiar with the basics of the issue you will be discussing. Be familiar with the talking points to close the TWW. However, if you don't know something, it is perfectly ok to say, I don't know, but I can look into it.  It helps to become familiar with the Member's latest position or actions on the issue. 

2. Establish a principal spokesperson for the group: A main speaker for the group should be established ahead of time. One person from the group should also take notes for future reference.

3. Be polite, courteous, and on time: Showing up early is polite and it will give you a chance to think about the presentation of your talking points. Remain courteous throughout the meeting; even if you disagree on an issue, this may help make the Member more willing to reconsider her/his position or react favorably to future requests. Be a good listener. Remember to dress appropriately, and keep your agenda to the time allotted.

4. Be personable: When the Member or aide enters the room, each participant in your group should introduce themselves. Talk about your involvement in the community and any group you may represent. Establish a personal connection with the Representative, Senator, or aide in the meeting. Don't just talk at them. Ask them to share their goals and what they care about. Share your own views and concerns. Thank them if you know of positive actions they have taken or simply thank them for meeting with you.

5. State the purpose of your visit clearly: Remember to stick to the topic and talking points. Know what to say and make your requests clear. However, in addition to specific requests, don't be afraid to ask the Member what else they could do on your issue. If you feel they are trying to steer you off track by talking about too many other issues, politely return to your main idea, "While this too is an important issue, I would really like to spend more time talking about state wildlife grants".

6. Follow up: Make sure you know the name of the aide to follow-up with. Ask for their card so that you can spell their name correctly and have their email address. Write the Member/aide a thank you note to express your appreciation and briefly restate the issues discussed and the way you would like to see them respond to the issue (i.e. co-sponsoring a bill ). Thank the Member and offer yourselves as a resource in the future; always keep them up to date on the issue. Provide, or say when you will, any information that was requested during your meeting or will help emphasis your key points.