Congressional Toolbox

Welcome to NACWA’s Congressional Toolbox! Here you’ll find everything you need to locate, contact and set up a meeting with your U.S. Congressperson or Senator; you’ll also find the resources you need to plan and conduct a compelling facility tour with that lawmaker.

In short, The Congressional Toolbox will help you personally advocate with lawmakers on the issues that will impact your utility both now and the years to come.

Introduction and Overview

 

The Hill is back open for business. Most Congressional Offices welcome constituents to schedule meetings in-person when visiting Washington DC. NACWA encourages utilities to request meetings with their Members of Congress and staff, knowing they may be virtual. NACWA encourages utilities to request meetings sooner rather than later to increase the likelihood of success.

Updated as of January 2023

Set Up a Meeting

Get Involved! It’s a Privilege and a Right of Citizenship.
From the beginning, citizenship in America was designed for people to help govern themselves.

1

BEFORE THE MEETING

The key to a successful Congressional meeting is thorough preparation and strong understanding of the facts. Therefore, you should start preparing for your meeting several weeks before the meeting is set to take place. 

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2

DURING THE MEETING

During the meeting, the most important aspect to consider is staying on message and presenting your points clearly and concisely. It is important to come prepared with talking points, so you can conduct a successful meeting, as well as establish yourself as a knowledgeable resource on the issue

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3

AFTER THE MEETING

Similar to most long-term projects, advocacy work is more like a marathon than a sprint. Thus, achieving advocacy goals requires persistence and follow through. The best way to maintain these relationships is to continue interacting with your member of Congress by following up and checking-in.

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Questions? Contact our Legislative Team Today!

Plan a Facility Tour

 

PLANNING YOUR TOUR

Take your advocacy initiative to the next level by inviting elected officials to your plant to see the important role your facility plays in the community. 

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ORGANIZING THE TOUR

A well organized tour can make the difference in creating a lasting impression on your guests. 

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CONDUCTING THE TOUR

By creating an active tour experience, elected officials will gain first-hand experience with the everyday aspects of your facility.

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FOLLOW UP

By conducting a facility tour, you are establishing a cooperative relationship with a legislator and her/his staff. It is crucial to check-in to ensure they remember your utility.

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Why Advocate?

 

While NACWA staff work hard on Capitol Hill to inform the legislative process, individual meetings by NACWA members play a critical role in advancing the Association’s overall advocacy agenda. These meetings between a utility and the elected representatives serving the utility’s ratepayers are among the most important advocacy actions that a clean water agency can take.

 

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Congressional Outreach Resources

US Capitol Map
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Getting to Capitol Hill
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Preparing for a Meeting
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Follow Up
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Understand Your Member of Congress
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Personalize Your Message
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Get in touch

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