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Capitol Hill Day Follow-Up | 2012 AIA Federal Agenda and Issue Priorities
Toolkits | Other Resources | Contact AIA

Capitol Hill Day: Following-up with your legislators

Now that your meetings are over, continue to build the relationship with your legislator by:

SENDING A THANK YOU TO YOUR LEGISLATOR - Reiterate the main points of your meeting, answer any questions that came up in your conversation, and offer to act as a resource to your legislator on any issue that may arise in the future. In addition, reemphasize your offer to host your legislator at a component meeting, at an architectural firm, or on a site visit. Click here for a sample.

• 2012 Grassroots Conference – Brick by Brick infographic on the role of architects in the community

• 2012 Grassroots Conference – The AIA Agenda for Economic Recovery (AIA policy agenda overview and issue briefs)

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FILLING OUT A CAPITOL HILL DAY FEEDBACK FORM (PDF version or Word version) – If you did not get the chance to return this form at the Grassroots Conference, please fill this out and email it (govaffs@aia.org) or fax it (202-626-7583) back to AIA National staff so that they may follow-up appropriately.

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SETTING UP AN IN-DISTRICT MEETING – Congress has many in-district work periods, where legislators spend time back in their home districts or states. They have more time during these periods to meet with constituents and hear about the issues facing you. Include members who did not get to go to Washington for Capitol Hill Day, or emerging professionals who can speak to the challenges young architects are facing in this economy. Click here for a checklist for How-to Host an In-District Event or Meeting.

• House of Representatives Calendar

• Senate Calendar

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HOSTING A CANDIDATE FORUM OR CANDIDATE COFFEE – In an election year, candidates want the chance to talk to you because they need your vote. Consider including other local associations to boost attendance and help attract media attention. Click here for a candidate forum toolkit.

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STAYING ON TOP OF AIA ADVOCACY NEWS - Staying on top of AIA advocacy news – The AIA Issues & Advocacy page is updated daily to report on top news in Washington, AIA successes at the state and local level, and much more. In addition, each month, resources are added on a “topic of the month.”

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CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATORS – The AIA Advocacy Action Center is a resource to check on the hot issues in DC and in your state, as well as a tool to contact your legislator and get election-related resources (where to vote, register to vote, etc.).

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SUPPORTING ARCHIPAC – ArchiPAC is the AIA’s only federal political action committee. ArchiPAC elevates the voice of architects in the advocacy process and engages our members to build and support relationships with federal candidates to better our profession and improve our communities.

AIA’s Federal Agenda and Key Issues

In any visit with your legislator, we urge you to share any personal experience you may have that relates to one of these issues (e.g. your firm has used the 179d tax program in a recent project). This will make your message more powerful.

Current Issue Briefs

• Removing Barriers to Private Sector Lending

• Saving Energy, Creating Jobs

• Helping Small Firms Grow

• Revitalizing America's Neighborhoods

If you have questions about the issues, send them to AIA staff or call (202) 626-7383.

Toolkits

• Candidates Forum Toolkit

• Conducting a Candidate Coffee Toolkit

• Assessing Your Local Political Environment and Candidates Toolkit

• Connecting with the Media Toolkit

Other Resources

• Sample Op-Eds - The AIA Board Advocacy Subcommittee on Public Engagement has developed a strategy for speaking out on issues by providing “templated opinion pieces” to component leadership that can either be submitted as letters to the editor or as op-eds to local print and online media. Each month, the committee issues a new op-ed on a hot topic.

• Do’s & Don’ts for Your Meetings with Legislators

• Seven Easy Steps to Make Your Voice Heard

• Quick Tips on Being an Advocate for Your Profession

Questions? Contact us!

Adam Melis | Director, Political Affairs & Engagement
Email | amelis@aia.org
Phone | 202.626.7383


Hannah Wesolowski | Manager, Advocacy Outreach & Political Engagement
Email | hwesolowski@aia.org
Phone | 202.626.7403