2014 Congressional Elections Elections Matter Booklet | Page 9

Engage the Candidates Get the Attention of Candidates at Forums and Debates During campaigns, candidates seek every opportunity to speak publicly and interact with constituents deciding whether or not to vote for them. These tips may help you effectively engage with candidates and raise issues of hunger and poverty at a forum: • Arrive early to get good seats as close to the front as possible or near microphones in the aisle. • During the question-and-answer session, raise your hand first, fast, and high. It is easier to ask the first question than to be called upon later. There’s usually a pause after the speaker asks for questions; be the first to raise your hand. • At the end of the event, try to be one of the first to work your way to the front of the meet-and-greet line. Shake the candidate’s hand, and mention something to him or her about how important the fight against hunger and poverty is to you as a voter. If you can get a group together to attend the forum, this works even better. If a candidate hears about hunger and poverty issues from many people during the meet and greet, he or she will realize how important an issue this is to voters in your state. • Bring a digital camera, and ask to have your photo taken with the candidate. Taking a photo is a great way to extend the discussion with candidates and to get them to make specific commitments in the fight against hunger and poverty. Post the photo on Facebook or Twitter as a way of making the candidate accountable to the public. • After the event, find a member of the media or a blogger and offer a quote that can be included in a news report. Journalists want a local perspective on the event and will want to hear your feedback about the candidate’s statement or answer to your question. But journalists will not find you—you’ve got to find them. 9