The newly released House calendar for the 112th Congress presents a fascinating opportunity for grassroots advocates seeking to build relationships and influence legislators. The calendar makes good on part of a promise the House Republicans made that they would operate differently than Democrats, and even previous Republican leaders.

The schedule mostly follows a two-weeks-on and one-week-off format. It includes five days of voting when legislators are in Washington, no votes after 7 pm, and consistent end times on Fridays. Whether incoming Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor can pull it off is still a question. (The Senate tried a similar calendar during the 104th Congress and punted it after 10 months.) But, for sake of sane scheduling, increased efficiency, and hot meals at 7:30 pm for Members and staff, let's assume they can. What does this mean for those seeking to influence legislators?

First, legislators will likely schedule more town hall meetings. The 2010 House calendar had 5 District Work periods – the 2011 calendar has 13. This means Members of Congress have more certainty and time to schedule town hall meetings in the district. It also means they'll likely schedule more events as well – visits to businesses, schools, and groups. Great photo op's, but also great face time with constituents.

Second, constituents and their representatives often overlook the value of meeting with legislators in their district offices. However, with 21 weeks back home the best venue to meet with a Member of Congress and staff is the district office. Constituents will feel more comfortable meeting in their own locales. And Members of Congress usually are not crushed for time when not rushing to committee hearings and votes in Washington, offering the potential for a more robust and detailed dialogue.

A few years ago I recommended district meetings to a group that was cutting back their budget and not having a traditional "fly-in" to DC. They were concerned that their lobbyist could not attend a district office meeting, and that the Member of Congress might want his policy expert (usually DC based) in the room as well. "Why not put them both on speaker phone in a conference call so they can monitor," I said. It was as if I'd proposed some new-fangled technology! "A telephone...Why didn't we think of that???"

The unpredictability of the House calendars and scheduling has wreaked havoc over the years to the best laid plans of Members of Congress and staff, and probably wrecked a few marriages as well. The 2011 calendar not only might make legislators more efficient, it could be a boon to grassroots advocates. Who knows? It might even save a marriage or two.