Issues & AdvocacyGet Involved

In-District Meetings or Events: What to Do

Before The Invitation

• What is the purpose and desired format for the meeting? i.e. chapter meeting, site visit, architectural firm visit, etc.

• Should you include other local associations in the design and construction industry?

• Is there a need for any press outreach related to the event?

• Contact AIA Government & Community Relations at govaffs@aia.org or 202-626-7403 to get the latest on the AIA’s priority issues before Congress, and for additional assistance. In addition, the AIA will want to know about your event so they can publicize it, as well.

• Confirm that you have dates available within the in-district work periods:
House of Representatives Calendar
Senate Calendar

• Visit www.house.gov or www.senate.gov and go to your member of Congress’ website. You will be able to get the contact information for the district offices on this site.

• Find out how many AIA members live in the legislator’s district/state. AIA National can provide this information (govaffs@aia.org). This will be helpful information to share with the legislator’s office.

Remember:

Be flexible – the more flexibility you can provide, the more likely you will be able to find a date to hold your event.

Be persistent – sometimes invitations get lost, so don’t be afraid to follow-up.

Invitation and Event Coordination

• You will probably need to put your request in writing, even if you speak to someone in the legislator’s office.

• Once you have confirmed a day, time, and location, let other event or meeting attendees know all the details. Also share information/background on the legislator.

• For a firm visit, let employees know that this is a unique opportunity to showcase all the profession, as well as the firm does. Evaluate if it makes sense that to invite other members from the local component to the event.

• For a component meeting, let all invited attendees know the agenda, and let them know if they are able to invite others, or if this is an “invitation-only” event.

• Determine who will be compiling the materials to be given to the legislator (economic data, the AIA’s federal agenda and issue briefs, etc.).

• If there are a lot of first-time advocacy participants at this event, consider holding a briefing call before the event to answer questions or let them know how the event will go.

The Day of the Meeting/Event

• Remember to be flexible! Legislators sometimes get delayed. Your patience will pay off.

• Have your component president or firm principal on hand to greet the legislator, and start the meeting by thanking and recognizing all the attendees.

• For an event, the host of the event should provide a brief overview of facility/firm/design & construction.

• Provide the materials you pulled together to the elected official and walk them through the key points of the AIA issues agenda.

• Please take pictures of the event! We love to have these pictures on file at AIA National (govaffs@aia.org) to put in publications and on our website.

• Finally, offer to be a resource to your legislator on issues that may arise in the future.

After the Event

• Send a thank you letter, with copies of any pictures you might have taken.

• Think about the event: was your mission accomplished? What can you do to continue to develop your relationship with the elected official’s office?

• Send all architects who attended and participated a thank you email. Share with them the pictures taken at the event, and ask for feedback on how to improve these events going forward.

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