NFIB

Congress began its annual summer recess Aug. 4, but that's no reason to take a vacation from advocating on behalf of small-business interests.

Many members of Congress will use this break to travel back to their districts to engage in a series of town hall meetings with their constituents. A town hall meeting is a perfect time for you as a small-business owner to convey your policy views to your representative without having to compete with the everyday political pressures and demands of Washington.

We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this prime opportunity to sit down with your representative to voice your opinion with regard to the important issues facing the small-business community, including protecting the private ballot in union organizing elections, opposing government mandates and fighting for permanent death-tax relief.

A survey by the Congressional Management Foundation showed that raising a question at a town hall meeting is one of the most effective methods for influencing undecided lawmakers. Here are a few tips for taking advantage of this unique chance to get involved in the political process:

1. Tell a personal story: Tell your representative a first-hand account of the impact that a policy is having on your small business.
2. Go in groups: Rally a group of your fellow small-business owners to attend. Simply put, politics is a numbers game, and lawmakers want to play on the side that can yield them the most votes on Election Day.
3. Talk to staff: Congressional staff is very influential in the policymaking process. Be proactive by approaching staff to tell them your story and ask questions. 
4. Leave a document: Any documents passed to state-based staff will likely be faxed to the legislative assistant in Washington who covers the issue.
5. Follow up politely: Take the initiative to follow-up with your representative. But remember that congressional offices are often overworked, and it is likely that an individual may not follow up with you until a few weeks after the meeting.
6. Be persistent: If you continue to show your presence at town hall meetings, your representative must take time to deal with you (even if it is to avoid an uncomfortable encounter at a future town hall meeting).

Contact your representative and ask when the next town hall meeting will take place. Remember that your lawmakers were elected to represent your interests, and town hall meetings are key forums for NFIB members to reiterate the fundamental role that small businesses play at home and on Capitol Hill.

Good luck!