Scheduling and Conducting Virtual Meetings with Policymakers and Staff

Although in-person meetings are preferable, virtual one-on-one or small group conversations are important when building and maintaining relationships with your elected officials and their offices. These virtual meetings are much like ones carried out in-person and can be effective in helping your issue stand out. Whether by telephone or videoconference, the following tips will help you schedule and prepare for a successful virtual appointment.

This video will cover:

• How to prepare for a meeting, effectively execute, and then follow up.
• How a virtual meeting and an in-person meeting are similar, as well as how they differ.
• Ways to structure the conversation around what Congressional offices find valuable.

SfN is dedicated to helping you continue to grow as an advocate whether you’re brand new or have years of experience. Learn more at sfn.org/advocacy or email advocacy@sfn.org for assistance.

For more advice, explore these resources:

• Digital Advocacy and COVID-19 Update Town Hall Webinar
• Four Ways to Help Students Become Science Advocates
• How to Use Your Scientific Training to Change Science Policy
• Q&A: A Hill Staffer Shares How to Craft an Impactful Pitch

Speaker

Adam Katz

Adam Katz is the director of Advocacy and Training at the Society for Neuroscience, where he oversees organizational legislative and advocacy efforts, scientific training and professional development programs, and diversity efforts. He previously held positions at the American Society for Microbiology, Research!America, the University of California at Irvine, and the National Institute of Mental Health. Katz's primary research interests lie in neural plasticity. He received his undergraduate degree in brain and cognitive science from the University of Rochester and his master’s in policy and advocacy from Georgetown University.