Submitted by Mike Sokoloski, Grassroots Manager (GAO)

You’ve attended the annual legislative Ambassador training.  You’ve studied the talking points.  You know the fact sheet.  To make the transition from “Hello” to “Equalized Access” it would help to fill the script with soft transitional conversation that does not take too much time from your purpose.  Here are some ways to gain confidence headed into the meat-and-bones of your legislative interactions:

• Google the legislator’s name and local newspaper name for search results containing stories of his or her involvement in the community.
• Ask me for a “footprint” of the BAYADA clients and staff residing in the legislator’s district.
• Go to the legislator’s webpage and scroll for recent activity related to home care or health care.
• Ask me to research any previous meetings that Ambassadors or GAO staff has had with a tenured legislator.
• At a week forward, week in review, or staff meeting in your office, ask your colleagues if they have any knowledge or had any interactions with the legislator you are visiting. You’d be surprised!

Remember: You’re the expert in the room during your time with a legislator.  Your State Director has provided you with ample resources and I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.  I will be thrilled to help in any way possible.