Meeting with a local Congressional Representative’s office is a wonderful educational and networking opportunity.  The basic takeaways should be:

1. Educate the Congressional Representative and/or office staff about what their district is doing to educate and support local mom’s around Postpartum Depression.

2. Create a solid relationship with the Representative’s office.

FOR ORGANIZATIONS: 

Prepare a brief background on

• Who your organization is
• How long your organization has been in place
• What communities you serve
• Where you serve the community [i.e. library play group, in home therapy, community health center, etc.]
• Members and supporters of your organization [i.e. local legislators, municipal governments, places of worship, hospitals, associations, meet-up groups, individuals, etc.]
• Have business cards and literature ready to distribute about your business, organization, etc. as it relates to Moms, families and Postpartum education and support.

FOR INDIVIDUALS: 

Prepare to share your own personal story, as you see fit.

• Your experience with PPD within your district/community
• What community services were available
• What community services were NOT available
• What services you wish were available

MEETING TIPS:

• Arrive 5 minutes early.
• Have your business cards, meeting notes, documents, etc. ready and organized (if applicable)
• Remind the Congressional Representative and/or staff member a quick brief of why you requested to meet, if they don't lead with the topic of maternal mental health/PPD during your introduction.
• Share background on you/your organization and the impact it's made around maternal mental health/PPD awareness, education, etc.
• Focus story lines and conversations on local community interactions and establishments, anecdotes, etc. to help inform the office about how this issue has been and impacting their constituents.
• Allow time for the Representative or staff person to ask questions.
• Individuals and organizations can express their support for H.R. 3235/S. 2311, "Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act of 2015" in their meeting.

POST MEETING FOLLOWUP:

• Send a handwritten, "Thank you" note to the person you/your organization met with.
• Individuals and organizations can express their support for H.R.3235/S.2311, "Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act of 2015" in their meeting, again.
• Invite a staffer to your organizations next meeting, event, Twitter chat, etc. (if appropriate and applicable)
• Set a time in the calendar 3 - 6 months to have a follow up meeting with your Congressional Representative office, to check in and foster the newly formed, or already established, relationship.