Research Based on Surveys of Congressional Staff

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new study reveals guidance to citizens based on research with House and Senate staff for setting up, conducting, and following up after meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. "Face-to-Face with Congress: Before, During, and After Meetings with Lawmakers," released today at the Professional Women in Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., is based on the Congressional Management Foundation's (CMF) work with Members of Congress, and includes the results of new surveys of House staff about how best to interact with lawmakers.

Key findings include:

• 93% of House Schedulers surveyed indicated requests for meetings with lawmakers should be made 2-4 weeks in advance;
• 71% of participating House Chiefs of Staff expressed "no preference" for meeting location (Washington, D.C. , versus the district);
• 94% of the House Chiefs of Staff felt a "1-2 page issue summary" left behind after a meeting is somewhat or very helpful, while only 18% said the same of a "5 page or greater length" document.

The report also included staff comments about constituent meetings. "Our number one factor in scheduling a meeting is if a constituent is in the group," said one House Scheduler. "Constituents from our district take top priority over any other type of request."

Full text of the report is available: www.CongressFoundation.org/FacetoFace

The report is part of CMF's Partnership for a More Perfect Union, a program to help citizens have better communications with, understanding of, and relationships with Members of Congress. The report was sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, RAP Index, and the Professional Women in Advocacy Conference.

Founded in 1977, CMF is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to helping Congress and its Members meet the evolving needs and expectations of an engaged and informed citizenry. Its work focuses on improving congressional operations and enhancing citizen engagement through research, publications, training, and management services.