Three Things to Know About Meeting with Policymakers

At this year’s Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar Policy Pre-seminar, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health convened leaders, advocates, and community members to explore how civic engagement and public policy intersect with mental health and well-being. Among the most practical and inspiring offerings was a breakout session titled “Policymaker Meeting Tips,” featuring Bethany Gutierrez a legislative staffer in the Texas House of Representatives, Amanda Rodriguez of the San Marcos City Council, and moderator Jason Castillo, Policy Program Specialist at the Hogg Foundation.

The panelists drew from their diverse experiences—as a legislative staffer, an elected official, and a policy expert—to demystify how ordinary people can make their voices heard in policymaking spaces. Here are three key takeaways from their discussion.

You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Speak Up

Both Gutierrez and Rodriguez emphasized that lived experience is a form of expertise. You don’t need to master policy jargon or legislative procedure to advocate effectively. As Gutierrez put it, “You are the expert, and we are just learning from your experience.”

She encouraged participants to start local. Whether through community centers, churches, or parent groups, those closest to an issue are often best positioned to raise awareness and mobilize. Local elections, too, have an outsized impact. “Local officials are the ones right down the street,” Gutierrez noted, “and they often have the most immediate power to address community needs.”

For Meeting with Policymakers, Persistence Matters More Than Perfection

Rodriguez shared that when she first entered public service, she often felt unsure of herself: “That was the first time I experienced what some people call imposter syndrome.” But she soon learned that showing up, even imperfectly, is what truly counts.

She urged advocates to set realistic expectations. Not every meeting or testimony will lead to instant change, and that’s okay. Every interaction builds momentum. “It’s okay to be nervous,” Rodriguez reminded attendees. “Don’t let anybody take that fire—that reason for why you’re doing this—away from you.”

Stories Move People When Statistics Can’t

Both panelists reflected on how personal stories can shift hearts and minds in ways that data alone cannot. Rodriguez recounted a powerful example from her time as a legislative staffer, when families impacted by gun violence returned to the Capitol day after day to demand their voices be heard. One father carried his son’s bullet-torn notebook—a tangible reminder of the personal stakes. Rodriguez was moved by his persistence.

“That persistence—that refusal to give up—is what made history,” Rodriguez said. “For those families, success wasn’t just about passing a bill. It was about being heard.”

The takeaway: Advocacy isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. By sharing lived experience, preparing thoughtfully, and persisting through setbacks, ordinary Texans can have an extraordinary impact on the systems that shape their lives.

To learn more about the Hogg Foundation’s policy initiatives and explore other highlights from the Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar (RLS), visit our Policy page or RLS page.

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