During each legislative recess, Congress adjourns and members leave Washington and return to their home districts. Recess is an important time for members, as they visit constituents, attend fundraisers, and march in parades. Congressional recess is also an important opportunity for nonprofit advocates. Away from the noise of the capital, representatives are more attuned to local concerns. Make sure your concerns get on their radar screens during the recess. Below are several suggestions for how you can take advantage of legislators’ time home to promote your cause.

Give Your Member of Congress a Tour!
Tours are a great way for organizations to promote their message and get attention for their issues. They are a low cost way to establish media contacts, educate legislators and enrich communities.For examples of using tours for advocacy see Using Tours in Advocacy.

Schedule a meeting
Your congressman's schedule may be less hectic while he or she is at home, than when they are working in the capital. And it is certainly cheaper for your group to meet with them in the district than to travel to Washington! Plan ahead and schedule a meeting with your representative to educate them on your organization, your issues and how your organization is helping the community. Bring community members who also care about your issue with you. Face-to-face visits are the most effective form of influence. Even if you can only meet with the legislator's staff member, the effort will likely be worthwhile because the staff member can help shape the member's views. See NP Action's Tips on Visiting Members of Congress for recommendations on how to make the most of your meeting.

Plan an "in-district" lobby day
Many organizations arrange lobby days for grassroots members in Washington, D.C. or state capitols. Use this idea in your local community by organizing an in-district lobby day with your representative. Set up a day where you, your allies and several community members visit your congressman's office, meet district staff. Make sure the members you recruit live in the member's district. Legislators pay more attention to the concerns of the people on whom their reelection depends!

Attend your legislator’s local events
While they are home, legislators schedule public appearances, including town hall events, fundraisers, and policy conferences. To find out their schedules, check their website or call their office. Attend these events and introduce yourself and your organization to the congressman. You may also consider bird-dogging the congressman at such events, by asking them specific questions about the issues you care about. For more tips read NP Action's article on bird-dogging.

Use media to your advantage
While your representative is home, he or she is sure to read the local paper, watch the local news, and listen to the radio to find out what their constituents are thinking. Legislators may be more likely to pay attention to your issue if they hear about it from these sources. Work with local reporters and news organizations to place stories on your issue during the weeks your representative is home by contacting reporters and putting out press releases. Encourage community residents to write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. You may also consider placing an advertisement. Local news organizations may have specially discounted rates for nonprofit organizations.

Consider scheduling an event during recess
If your organization plans to hold a fundraising, informational, or other event, consider scheduling it during a legislative recess. Invite legislators and their staff. If they cannot attend, send them any documents related to the event or a summary of the discussion or proceedings that took place.