“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Meeting your legislator in person, right in your own community, is a powerful way to build relationships and make your voice heard. Many legislators hold regular hours in their district offices, so you don’t have to travel to Sacramento to make a difference. A simple meeting, a respectful conversation, and a clear expression of your values can go a long way.
This kind of engagement isn’t a one-time event. Many legislators serve for years, and relationships are built over time. When they recognize you and see that you have shown up consistently and prayerfully, they are far more likely to listen when difficult votes arise. When CWA action alerts are sent out about a bill, you won’t be reaching out cold – you will be contacting someone whom you have already met and for whom you have already prayed.
You may have heard the term “District Fridays.” During the legislative session, California legislators typically spend Mondays through Thursdays in Sacramento. On Fridays, they return to their home districts to meet with constituents, attend community events, and hold office hours. These Fridays provide one of the best opportunities to schedule an in-person meeting close to home.
Recently, I experienced this firsthand. A coalition partner and I met with Assemblywoman Laurie Davies (R-District 74) in her district office during District Fridays, and the conversation was deeply impactful. Even with a full docket, she was gracious, engaging, and open to hearing about the child safety legislation for which we are advocating. Moments like this remind us that these meetings are where relationships begin and trust grows over time. You can have similar conversations in your own district.
Prepare Your Heart First
Before your meeting, pause to center your heart in prayer. Ask the Lord for clarity, the right words to share your concerns or support, an open heart for your representative to receive truth, and discernment to listen well.
Action Steps:
- Get Informed About Your Legislator
- Find your representative here and learn about your Assemblymember and State Senator.
- Save the contact information for their district office.
- Visit their website to see what issues on which they are currently working.
- Look up a bill they have authored or supported.
- Visit California’s official bill website, enter the bill number in the search bar, and click the “Votes” tab to see how your legislator voted.
- Prepare for the Conversation
- Identify one main issue you care about and why it matters to you personally.
- Decide on one simple, clear request (for example: ask them to support or oppose a bill, review specific information, or commit to staying in touch).
- Prepare a brief personal story—just a few sentences—that shows how this issue impacts your family or community.
This small investment of time shows respect for their role and allows you to walk into the meeting informed and prepared.
Personal stories bring abstract policy conversations down to a human level.
When you arrive at the meeting, introduce yourself and share your connection to the community. Let them know you stand with Concerned Women for America—whether as a member or a supporter—and that you are there to advocate for families and children.
Listen carefully to what they share, take note of their perspective, remain respectful, and thank them for their time. Even short meetings can lay important groundwork for future conversations. Conclude by asking whether there is any way you can pray for them.
After the meeting, follow up with a brief thank-you email and share any information you offered to provide. Continue to pray for your legislator and their staff. Over time, these small, faithful steps build trust and open doors for meaningful dialogue.
Faithful presence over time is powerful. Your presence alone matters. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Even if the fruit isn’t immediately visible, the Lord is at work far beyond what we can see in the moment.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” – Jeremiah 33:3
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we lift up our policymakers to You. Give them wisdom, courage, and clarity to make decisions that affect families and children across California. Guard their hearts, guide their minds, and surround them with voices of truth. Help us to engage with grace, boldness, and love. May our presence be a source of encouragement and light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for standing in the gap for families, children, and parental rights. Faithfulness over time moves mountains.
