CONDUCTING TOURS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Conducting tours and special events provides some of the most effective ways of communicating with elected officials. Both tours and special events present you with a chance to get to know your lawmakers and to describe your concerns and interests in preserving your right to practice forestry.

Visiting the community, a company facility, or a particular job site also gives lawmakers a valuable opportunity to meet constituents and potential voters. Consider inviting lawmakers to special events such as a community-wide celebration, civic association dinner, or a company awards ceremony. Tours and special events serve as an effective way to follow-up "get acquainted" meetings with elected officials.

Careful planning for a visit by a lawmaker maximizes results. Please consider the following tips:

  • Send a written invitation to the lawmaker. Don't be discouraged if it takes several invitations before the lawmaker accepts. Lawmakers have many demands on the time they spend in the district or state. Your persistence will pay off.

  • Develop a schedule that allows enough time for the tour and to enjoy informal discussion. If the lawmaker's schedule permits, plan for a small luncheon preceding or following the tour.

  • Find out who will accompany the lawmaker, and make transportation arrangements, if necessary.

  • Inform allied groups of the exact date and time of the visit in advance. If possible, share highlights of the lawmaker's biography.

  • Select key people to accompany you on the tour. In addition, try to include allies who you know are politically active locally or who have a special relationship with the lawmaker or a staff member.

  • Map out the tour. Choose particular areas that illustrate the points you want to make. Where appropriate, select guides who are articulate and politically active. In the case of a plant or mill tour, include quiet areas to talk along the way.

  • Determine in advance if local press coverage is desired both by you and the lawmaker before proceeding with arrangements. If appropriate, arrange to have a photographer cover the tour and take photographs for possible use in publications.

  • Logging Operations require special planning. If you are touring a job site, rope off any potentially hazardous areas. Be sure adequate sets of safety gear are available for all guests. Make sure key machinery and equipment are in operation.

  • Keep close track of time. Don't rush the tour, but keep things moving. Find out how much time your guest has. Put someone in charge of receiving messages for the lawmaker and make sure he or she shows where to reach you during a tour.

  • Follow the tour or visit with a short private discussion, if the lawmaker's schedule will not permit an informal luncheon. It might be advantageous to include selected community leaders and other forestry allies. In either case, discuss with the lawmaker those issues affecting America's forest products industry and their impact on your community, your family, and your livelihood.

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