Where to park, what to wear, and who to talk to
You’re ready to take action to speak up for the issues that matter to you. Lobbying at the state capitol is an exciting opportunity to tell lawmakers what they should do to help the people in our state.
If it’s your first time, you likely have questions about what to expect, what you should do, and what you can say. Your voice matters. Your story is important. That’s why we’re here to help you use it to fuel meaningful change.
Here’s what you need to know about a lobby day:
What should you wear?
Wear what you feel comfortable speaking to legislators in. Casual clothing is okay. If you’re joining a lobby day with The Connecticut Project Action Fund, bring any group shirts, or grab one when you meet with our organizers so that lawmakers know who you’re with and what cause you stand for.
When should you arrive?
Give yourself time to park, go through security, and connect with your group. A good rule of thumb is to arrive 20 minutes before the event starts.
Where can you park?
You can park for free at the legislative office parking garage at 300 Capitol Ave. However, these spots can fill quickly on busy days. If parking is full there, there are other opportunities in the area. You can pay to park on the street or in nearby parking garages. Expect to walk about 10 minutes.
Accessible parking spaces are available at the garage. You can contact the ADA coordinator at accessiblity@cga.ct.gov or by calling (860) 240-0100.
Where do you go?
There is a walkway from the legislative office parking garage to the legislative office building. There are signs marking the way and pointing to where the public entrance is. The garage has an elevator and wheelchair ramp.
You will go through security. This includes going through a metal detector and having your personal items scanned. You are not allowed to bring weapons. You are allowed to bring a water bottle or a snack.
If you’re here for our lobby day, The Connecticut Project Action Fund staff will be waiting for you near the entrance. They will be wearing shirts that identify them.
Is there anything you should bring?
Feel free to bring a sign, water, and snacks. These may be provided for you. You are not allowed to bring any weapons into the legislative office building.
Who do I talk to?
If you’re here for our lobby day, The Connecticut Project Action Fund staff will have opportunities for you to interact with decisionmakers. These opportunities can include one-on-one meetings with a committee chair or other lawmakers. We will let you know more details ahead of time.
What should I talk about?
Legislation is only as powerful as your story. Your voice can make a difference. Don’t be afraid to share it. Tell lawmakers about your situation and how a proposal would directly help you.
Put your story at the center of your conversation. Most importantly, at the end of telling your story, make sure to ask your legislator to take action – don’t leave it up to them to guess. If you’re here for lobby day with The Connecticut Project Action Fund, we’ll have helped you practice your ask beforehand – to pass or oppose a bill, to amend it, or something else.
Your experience helps a lawmaker know that a plan will improve the lives of real people, and your ask tells legislators what you and others in your situation want to see.
Take care of yourself. You don’t have to share anything that you are uncomfortable with. It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to interact with someone who is being aggressive, and we will not set you up to speak with someone who is going to be hostile to you.
Will it be televised?
No, a lobby visit with your legislator will not usually be televised.
If you are at the Capitol to testify during a committee hearing, though, your testimony may be streamed online or on TV. The things you say, whether in written testimony, in-person testimony, or virtual testimony, may also appear in other news coverage.
How do I know who represents me?
You can find out what lawmakers represent you online. Feel free to reach out to them to explain what issues matter to you, why, and what they can do to improve the lives of people in Connecticut.
What if I can’t make it?
Lobby days give you the opportunity to meet face-to-face with lawmakers and to share your story. You are a face they can attach to an issue when they are making their decisions. However, taking time off from your job, finding child care, and other things may prevent you from showing up to a lobby day.
You can still share your voice even if you can’t make it to a lobby day, and we’re here to help. There are ways to submit testimony online and to directly email and call the lawmakers who represent you, or you can schedule visits with them yourself.
What happens next?
Your story is crucial to making positive change happen. Lawmakers will think of you when making decisions that help or hurt hardworking people like you. However, they might not vote on legislation right away. This is normal.
Join our email list and follow us on social media to learn more about exciting opportunities to push for a more affordable Connecticut.