Visit the Capitol

You can have an especially powerful impact in Salem when you show up in person. When you visit your legislator’s office, you have their attention, and as a constituent, you are a priority. You can make an appointment to meet with your legislators to share your policy concerns. Other effective activities in Salem include attending relevant hearings and rallies at the Capitol.

Click here for a map to the capitol building.

Meet with your legislator: Click here to find your legislator.

1) Schedule a meeting: Contact your legislator’s office, and make an appointment to come in.
2) Be on time (you will probably only have 10-15 minutes, and they often run a tight schedule)
3) Be polite
4) Prepare key points to share about your position
• Remember, personal stories are very effective!
• You can learn relevant facts from Cascade’s publications (sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter), or by contacting us for more information.
5) Ask for your legislator’s support and for his/her position on the legislation
6) It is okay to say “I don’t know” – you don’t have to know everything to have a valid opinion.
7) Thank your legislator for his or her time.

Attending a Hearing: Attending and testifying at hearings can have a powerful effect on a bill’s momentum. If you are interested in attending hearings that Cascade considers especially important, you are encouraged to contact Cascade for more information. If you want to testify at a hearing, you can read the legislature’s instructions for testimony at http://www.leg.state.or.us/comm/.

Attending Rallies: Stand up for freedom in Oregon and contact Cascade for information about upcoming hearings, events, or sign up for Cascade’s weekly e-newsletter, the Cascade Courier, to keep updated about protests and rallies.