FAQs

Why doesn’t MRA ask researchers to submit form e-mail and fax messages to legislators on a regular basis?

Elected officials don’t pay much attention to form letters and petitions - personalized communications fare much better. Form letters and petitions are easy, but don’t garner significant interest from legislators and their staff. One well thought out, personal, and relevant letter or e-mail says far more than a thousand postcards or identical faxes. That is why MRA works to educate and inform Capital Network volunteers, to make them the front line personal connection between the research profession and individual legislators at the state and federal level.

I asked to meet with my elected official, and I got directed to a staffer. What gives?

It is important for most elected officials to meet with as many constituents as possible, as well as interested organizations. However, there are only so many hours in a day, so the odds are that you would meet with a staffer instead. This is not a bad thing.

Meetings with the elected officials’ staff can prove more fruitful. Instead of an abbreviated meeting with someone who may have no idea what you are discussing, you will get to discuss issues in more depth with staff who may have more time to delve into your issues, and make many of the daily decisions for that official’s office. In some cases, legislative staff can have as much or more power than the officials for whom they work!

In conclusion, researchers should take every opportunity to build a personal relationship with that office, from the front desk administrator up to the official her/himself.

Legislator X ignored or refused my request for a meeting. Why?

The most likely reason is that you are not his/her constituent. If you’re from Alaska and asking for a meeting with a U.S. Congressman from California, you’re likely to get turned down. The first thing most officials and staff will want to know is if you are from that official’s district/state. Given the limited time available for meeting with constituents, non-constituents will be irrelevant in the eyes of most elected officials. Be sure that your communications to your elected official note your location within the official's constituency.

How can I educate my legislators on issues facing the survey and opinion research profession?

Engagement is the best approach. A lecture or presentation in their office pales in comparison to a site visit. Invite your legislators to learn about the research profession first hand with a visit to your facilities, where they can meet your employees, and see how the research process works.

What materials should I bring for my legislators and their staff?

Time is in short supply for most legislators and staff, so brevity is vital. Aside from a page or two about your own company or organization, and your contact information, we recommend you take a copy of the MRA 1-pager. If your issue of concern is not currently covered in one of MRA's position papers, we can remedy that.