Meeting Toolkit

Meeting with your Representatives and/or Senators makes a HUGE impact. During this time, you can share your WHY and explain why the national Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act is a critical piece of legislation that needs to pass immediately.

Our toolkit includes a(n):

  • sample call and email script to help you set-up a meeting

  • before, during and after the meeting tips

  • talking points template to help you during your meeting

  • information sheets you can share with your Representative/Senator (bill info and stillbirth state statistics info)

Scheduling the Meeting

Sample Call Script: Senators

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am a constituent of [Representative NAME]. I am calling to schedule a meeting to discuss the bipartisan SHINE for Autumn Act S. 2647. This bill is important to me because [my son was stillborn in 2017 and this bill can prevent families from experience this type of devastation in the future.] Could you please help me set-up this meeting or let me know if the Congressmember has a local event I can attend?

Sample Call Script: House of Representatives

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am a constituent of [Senator NAME]. I am calling to schedule a meeting to discuss the bipartisan SHINE for Autumn Act H.R. 5012. This bill is important to me because [my son was stillborn in 2017 and this bill can prevent families from experience this type of devastation in the future.] Could you please help me set-up this meeting or let me know if the Senator has a local event I can attend?

Before the Meeting

  • Make sure you know if your Representative/Senator is already cosponsoring the bill. If they are, you should thank them during the meeting. Look them up here: House Cosponsors and Senate Cosponsors

  • If possible, email the staffer the SHINE for Autumn Act Info Sheet and Stillbirth State Facts Sheet ahead of time

  • If possible, print out the talking points, SHINE for Autumn Act Info Sheet and Stillbirth State Facts Sheet ahead of time so you have copies during your meeting

  • Make sure you review these documents ahead of time so you are prepared

  • You can also bring a photo or memento of your baby to remind them of who you are fighting for

During the Meeting

  • Use our talking points, SHINE for Autumn Act Info Sheet and Stillbirth State Fact Sheet to help keep the meeting on track.

  • Make sure you are on time (or early) to the meeting.

  • Remember to share your story. Your baby is the reason WHY we are fighting this fight!

  • Ask for a picture with your Representative/Senator

  • Ask for any business cards and share your contact information if they do not already have it

After the Meeting

  • Send a thank you follow up email and attach the SHINE for Autumn Act Info Sheet and Stillbirth State Fact Sheet

  • Post your picture on social media. Make sure to tag your Rep/Senator and also @shineforstillbirth

  • Do something special for yourself. You did something amazing in honor of your baby and you should celebrate and be proud!