Tips and Tricks:

Face-to-face meetings between constituents and their legislators are the single most effective way to acquaint lawmakers with ACSS and our issues and concerns. As part of ACSS’ strategic plan, every chapter is asked to make as many district office visits as they can during the year. Here are some pointers to help make your visit a success:

1. Planning your visit:

• Ask for a Friday. This is the day legislators usually meet constituents at their home offices. When you request an appointment, specify you want to talk with your legislator in person. If your legislator isn’t available on the day you’ve selected, ask for a day he or she will be there. 
   
• Gather materials and handouts. The most up-to-date DOV materials are available in the "Materials for your visit" box to the left. Contact your labor relations representative or the ACSS headquarters with any questions.  
   
• Take a group of constituents. It is important that legislators know they are talking to people who can vote for them. Make sure most of the members of your group are constituents. Refer to your materials and the ACSS DOV talking points (also in the box to the left) for the issues you will discuss, choose a spokesperson and decide what points each member will address. 

2. When you arrive:

• Introduce the members of your group. Give the legislator your business cards and your materials. Identify the contents of your packets.
   
• Explain what ACSS is. We are not a union. With nearly 7,000 members, we are the oldest and largest excluded-employee organization in California. We represent state employees -- supervisors, managers, confidentials and exempts -- who do not have collective bargaining. Our salaries and benefits are not determined through bargaining but are dictated by DPA and the governor. 
   
• Talk about what you do for the state. Tell your representative how you help bring essential services to the people of California and how much you love your job.

3. Discuss our issues (these are the current issues; they will change as circumstances change):

• The current Talking Points are available with the other materials in the "Materials for your visit" box at the top left.