Here are some tips for effective meetings with members of the General Assembly or with candidates for House or Senate seats from your district:

• Before the appointment, prepare your key message and talking points.
• Gather materials to leave with the legislator or candidate…only necessary materials.
• Make an appointment with as much lead-time as possible.
• Check to make sure the appointment can be kept. If it cannot, make a second appointment.
• Keep the appointment if there is no conflict.
• Be punctual.
• Realize that you may only have 10-20 minutes for your visit. Don't stay too long!
• Introduce yourself to the assistant.
• Once in the office of the legislator or candidate, introduce yourself, state where you are from, and say that you are there in support of the University's capital initiative. Don't make the error of assuming that he/she knows you and your affiliations.
• Give thanks for his/her time and leadership.
• Get down to business as soon as possible. Be brief, concise, and prepared.
• Give the legislator or candidate your materials that support your position.
• Request that the legislator or candidate support the needs of the University and work toward a solution to the capital problems facing the 16-campus University.
• Be courteous and positive. Don't threaten, blame, or attack regardless of the person's stand on an issue.
• Thank the legislator or candidate for seeing you.
• Offer assistance to him/her with regards to the University's capital initiative.
• Leave your business card.
• Send a thank you note. This gives you one more opportunity to state your position and ask for support. If possible, please copy the University on your letter and send it to UNC Public Affairs and University Advancement, P.O. Box 2688, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.
• Be sure to provide any follow up information that was requested or that you promised.