3. Set an agenda

You don't need something on paper, but you should have a general idea about messages you want to deliver. Here are some suggestions:

1. Give a reason for the meeting (i.e., literacy is important to the community).
2. Talk about local literacy challenges and opportunities.
3. Ask the candidate where they stand on literacy.
4. Secure their commitment to advance literacy at home and in Ottawa.
5. Refer them to MCL's Parliamentarian's Tool Kit (www.literacy.ca), which provides suggestions on how they can make a difference.
6. Thank them for the meeting.

4. Send a thank you note

Even losing candidates may emerge as influential community leaders in the future.

5. Keep track of where the candidates stand and vote!

Share the information you've gathered with your community (and with MCL!).