• Tell a Personal Story. Members of Congress are always looking for firsthand accounts of the impact that policies have on their constituents.
• Use Numbers If You Have Them. Politicians live for one thing: 50 percent plus 1. This keeps them re-elected and employed. Use numbers by mentioning things like, "I have 50 employees," "I represent 100 people in my local association," or "There are 500 people in my community affected by this bill."
• Be Respectful. Starting any conversation with another person in a rude manner is not a very tactful way to persuade them.
• Go in Groups. Nothing says "listen to me" to a public official like an organized mob. This is not to suggest that you should bring pitch forks and torches to your next town hall meeting, but a chorus is better than a solo performance.
• Talk to Staff. Every member brings staff to town hall meetings. Tell them your story before the meeting (also ask a public question during the meeting) and get their business cards.
• Leave Paper. Any documents passed to state-based staff will likely be faxed to the legislative assistant in Washington who covers your issue.
• Follow Up Politely. Politely persistent people particularly persuade politicians.
• Get Your People to Multiple Meetings. Hearing the same idea or concern repeatedly will have a member of Congress ask staff, "We'd better look into that."
• Demonstrate That You're Not Going Away. If you continue to show your presence at town hall meetings, the legislator is more likely deal with you.
• You may also find these tips on the Government Relations section of www.anla.org .  If you would like more information on upcoming Town Hall meetings, please contact Colleen Beirne at cbeirne@anla.org .

Your can also go to http://vnla.org/legislation.htm on the VNLA website and look up your representative and email them directly from the website.