As the end of the year approaches many people are thinking about the presents they need to buy, family they need to visit and any other holiday festivities that are around the corner. However, amongst all the excitement, political engagement seems to fall to the wayside. This is usually the biggest mistake made by agencies and organizations alike. Come the new year, the legislature will be back in session. So, it’s important to know where your organization stands, paying attention to such things as projected budget outlooks is a part of the job. However, it does not end there even if the budget is projected in a negative light. There is still a possibility that your issue can be put into it so the message always given by this company to anyone who is trying is go for it. Even if we’re in a projected lean budget year the opportunity for underserved populations to receive funding is still in existence. So as a part of your end of the year festivities, your organization should be participating in legislative engagement How do you do this? Simply follow these steps:

How to find holiday events hosted by your representatives

1. Utilize https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/ to figure out which representatives are in your area
2. Click on their names this will bring you to their websites as legislative representatives
3. Go to events section of that website
4. Check if any holiday events are happening (Note: They are free.)

Now that you have found the event the next question that should be through going through your organizations thought process is What do we do once we’re there? Simply follow these three steps and you’re well on your way to gaining that ever so valuable relationship with your representative’s office. They can grow into partnerships or anything else your organizations may need.

Steps to follow once you’re at the event

In person

1. Stop by the booth that has your representative’s name on it, Senator Blank/Assemblyperson blank. The individuals at this booth will be field representatives of that senator or assembly person. Introduce yourself and the organization. Thank them for hosting the event  
2. Enjoy the event (Do not get into a long conversation about your organization and your needs. This is not the time or place for that.)
3. Before leaving the event, stop by the booth again and thank of them one more time, offering a business card or way of contacting you; and make sure to get their information as well.
4. Approximately a month after the event send an e-mail to the field representative whose card you obtained at the event. Open by thanking them for providing their information to you and hosting the event once more. Then request an introductory meeting with that office. Let them know that you want to start building a relationship with that office as an organization. Close with Sincerely and your name and the name of your organization.

Virtual event

1. Open up the chat function and look for the following name description; Person’s name, Representative for Senator/ Assemblyman Blank
2. Choose the option in Zoom that allows you to message that person directly.
3. Write that individual a private message, introducing your organization and thank them for hosting the event.
4. At the end of the virtual event write them one more private message thanking them one more time for the event and asking for an e-mail address to set up an introductory meeting
5. Approximately a month after the event send an e-mail to the field representative whose email you obtained at the event. Open by thanking them for providing their information to you and hosting the event once more.
6. Then request an introductory meeting with that office. Let them know that you want to start building a relationship with that office as an organization. Close with Sincerely and your name and the name of your organization.

That is all you have to do as an organization in order to start engaging during this holiday season. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and we are wishing you a happy and safe holiday season.