Question:
All the professional lobbyists and former legislators we talk to tell us that we should not consider it insulting when we are told we can't meet with the individual legislators in our delegation, and are referred to staff. And while we have built a wonderful relationship with some staff people, others need some active listening training to put it kindly, and at least one staff person has been downright rude. And if that's not enough, the good ones seem to leave after a few years!
Hecate's answer
After every meeting with staff -- good or bad -- write a polite note to the legislator, recapping the meeting,listing the specific requests you made, and any follow up actions. If the meeting went well, say so and compliment the staff for being helpful and responsive. If there have been any promises made to follow up, mention them. If the meeting did not go well, your polite note should restate the problem, your proposed solution and be specific about how the staff person responded to each point. End by simply saying your group was "disappointed", and hope to have the another opportunity to present your information.
Of course the good ones leave, sometimes to higher ranking, better paying jobs in Government, sometimes to the dreaded private sector to become very effective lobbyists, sometimes to run for office themselves. At least they know what they are getting into.
Who is Hecate?
Hecate is a Greek Goddess who served as a guide and coach at the crossroads of Hades, where after crossing the River Styx, Greek souls found themselves facing three choices: the Elysian Fields, abode of the great and heroic; the Fields of Asphodel, for all who had led a blameless but ordinary life; or to Tartarus, a sunless land of punishment for criminals.
Hecate's best known role in Greek mythology was guiding Persephone, the goddess of spring, on her annual journeys between Hades and Earth. In the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, Hecate is portrayed as a nurturing and protective guide for Persephone on those annual journeys.
