A Legionnaire’s Guide to Meeting with Lawmakers

Welcome to The American Legion’s Hill Visit Toolkit.

The American Legion is a grassroots organization at its core. As such, the support of members is critical as we advocate on behalf of all veterans in the halls of Congress. The most effective way to support The American Legion’s legislative agenda is communication – by individuals in their local posts expressing their views on specific bills. Emails, telephone calls, Legislative Alerts and personal letters from constituents have a powerful influence on members of Congress. They want to hear from you so they can gauge public opinion on specific issues.

Methods to Contact Your Assigned Representative

• 1. Schedule a meeting
• 2. Call your legislator
• 3. Send an email
  

Tools for Legislative Council Members

All members of the Legislative Council are expected to contact their assigned representatives. Congress is open to in-person meetings and you can also use a number of digital platforms. Below are the three methods listed in order of effectiveness. The preferred method is to schedule a meeting or phone call.

Methods to Contact Your Assigned Representative

1. Schedule a meeting
Congress is now open to visitors, meaning legislators and their staff may now physically meet with people. A 15- to 30-minute meeting with your legislator’s office will give you an opportunity to delve into a deeper conversation about the Legion’s Legislative Agenda.

2. Call your legislator
You may also call your representative’s office and ask to speak with the staffer who handles the veteran and/or military portfolio. You can also ask for an email address if a phone number is not provided.

3. Send an email
Congressional staff are closely monitoring office emails and will note the issues most prevalent in their district.

What You Should Speak About

Review The American Legion’s legislative priorities using the Legislative Agenda and the point papers. This will give you a clear understanding of the issues and The American Legion’s recommended solutions to the problem.

After the Meeting

Please be sure to fill out a congressional contact report form(Opens in a new window) after you contact your congressional office. This will allow the national Legislative staff to know that the meeting took place and make staff members aware of any follow-up actions to take with the representative or their staff.

About Our Meetings

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Az State Conventions

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American Legion National Convention

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District 12 REHAB Annual Fundraiser

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Youth Program within Schools

The American Legion’s School Award Medal Program serves as a heartfelt tribute to the exemplary youth who embody the core principles of character and citizenship, recognizing not only their academic successes but also the essential virtues of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service.

QUALITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT

COURAGE

Bravery in the face of opposition and danger.
determination and force to do right without
public applause regardless of personal advantage.
A quality of the intellect.

PATRIOTISM

An ideal of loyal Americanism, religious tolerance,
righteous freedom and the willingness to defend
the U.S. Constitution against all enemies—foreign
and domestic. Perhaps best defined in the
American’s Creed.

HONOR

Highly developed moral character; moral
excellence; strength and stability of character.
high standards of conduct; devotion to duty.
adherence to truth; keen sense of what is right.
practice of healthy speech and thoughts.