Legislative Coffee Meetings
The purpose of Mizzou Legislative Coffees is to educate your elected official on how important Mizzou is to the state and your community and to build a relationship and rapport with elected officials throughout the state.
Coffee Hosts Needed!
The MIZZOU Legislative Network is calling on Mizzou alumni to help create personal contacts with their local legislators by hosting a small coffee in the home district of each Missouri State legislator.
What does a coffee host do?
Hosts will either open their homes or find a small intimate location to host their legislator(s) and between 8 and 15 local Mizzou family members. They will welcome guests and help encourage conversation about all that Mizzou has to offer.
How is the date of the event and guest list determined?
The MIZZOU Legislative Network will first and foremost take suggestions on both possible dates and guests from the host and will then work with each host and legislator(s) to find a date that works for all partied involved. The MIZZOU Legislative Network can also suggest possible guests in your area that can share their Mizzou story with your legislator.
How is the legislator invited?
When several possible dates are determined, the host will contact their legislator to check their schedule and to invite them to the informal coffee to discuss higher education and Mizzou. The MIZZOU Legislative Network will then follow up with a formal invitation to the legislator.
Who handles guest invitations, R.S.V.P.s and preparing the host and guests with background informtion about the legislator and talking points?
The MIZZOU Legislative Network will handle making and sending all invitations as well as taking all R.S.V.P.s for the event. The MIZZOU Legislative Network and the host will be in constant contact leading up to and following the event. The MIZZOU Legislative Network will also provide the host and each guest with specific background information about his/her legislator, including past relations with Mizzou. They will also receive talking points specific to his/her individual background and interests to share with the legislator if and when the time arises during the event.
What kind of cost is involved with hosting a Legislative Coffee?
These are designed to be very inexpensive events consisting of coffee and light snacks. The MIZZOU Legislative Network will help offset costs that are accrued for the event.
Not sure that hosting is right for you at this time?
Consider co-hosting with another alumnus in your area or if you have suggestions for possible hosts in your area, let us know.
Still want more information?
Check out the 2009 Grassroots Legislative Tool Kit that has all the information hosts will need to host a Mizzou Legislative Coffee Meeting.
For more information about a legislative coffee or about the 2009 Grassroots Legislative Toolkit, please contact M. Dianne Drainer, Advocacy Director at drainermd@missouri.edu
