Engaging with elected officials during the August recess provides an important opportunity for BBBS agencies to educate members on our mentoring work and build lasting relationships that can lead to funding opportunities and promote policy and systems change for our youth. Here are 5 things BBBS agencies can do ahead of time to prepare for a successful August Recess: 

 1. Schedule In-District Meetings in Advance 

Reach out to your elected officials' local offices before the end of July to schedule in-district meetings during the recess. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your agency’s mentoring work, share outcomes and advocate for our key legislative priorities. Members’ calendars will book up quickly, so get a jump on securing time with them by reaching out in July before they are back. 

 2. Invite Officials to Visit Your Programs 

Showcase the impact of your agency’s mentoring work firsthand by inviting elected officials to visit your programs or events as soon as possible.  This allows them to see the tangible benefits of your efforts and connect with constituents who benefit from your mentoring programs. Personal experiences can leave a lasting impression and influence policy decisions. 

3. Plan to Attend your Member’s Public Events and Forums 

Monitor your member’s events calendar for public forums, town hall meetings, or community gatherings where they will be scheduled to appear. Plan to attend these events to engage directly with your member, ask questions, and advocate for your agency’s priorities.  

 4. Share Impactful Stories and Data 

Add your member to your mailing list now so you can communicate the impact of your agency’s work through match stories and program outcomes and data. Along with any newsletters or communications you share, provide your member with examples of how they can support your agency through our key legislative priorities when they return to Washington in September. 

5. Plan a Social Media Advocacy Strategy 

Plan to engage your member by scheduling social media content ahead of time that you will share with them during August. Create posts that highlight program outcomes, match stories, and any agency accomplishments this year. Utilize brand materials from Brandfolder, hashtags and tag officials in posts to increase visibility and reach. Encourage your volunteers and families to engage with your member by providing them with sample social media posts or encouraging them to reshare your posts.