Are you preparing for a visit to the Indiana State Capitol? Are you wondering what you should do to prepare?
First and foremost, know that you really do not need to do anything to “prepare” for your visit. The State House is very friendly to the public, has a great information desk, and loves to have visitors. You can simply pack up your crew and head out for your visit!
However, if you would like to have your children do some advanced education in preparation for your visit, here are some tips.
Go to www.iga.in and take a virtual tour of the State Capitol.
Call your legislators and set up an appointment to meet them.
Find your Legislator and their phone number at www.iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/ .
Don’t forget to take a photo when you meet your Legislator.
If you can’t get an appointment in advance with your Legislator stop by the desk outside of the House Chambers or the Senate Chambers and ask if they are available to meet you during your visit.
The doorkeeper at the desk outside of the chambers will help you connect with your Legislator.
Legislators always appreciate goodie bags!
Cards thanking Legislators for their service are also a great idea and much appreciated by them. Include a photo of your family so that they will remember you the next time you contact them.
Are you interested in following a bill all the way through the session? Simply pick one by going to www.iga.in.gov and choose the LEGISLATION tab and then choose BILLS. In this photo below you will see SB 95 in which a senator is proposing to establish the Say’s Firefly as the state insect. What a fun bill to watch!
When following a proposed bill, use the blue tabs seen here to watch the bill’s progress.
TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT AND WHAT TO EXPECT
All visitors may use the front entrance on the east side. People with mobility issues or strollers should use the lower level doors on the west side.
When you get inside the front door of the State Capitol you will need to clear security. Do not bring weapons and do know that bags and packages will be x-rayed.
Home School Day at the Capitol will be located in the atrium outside of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s office.
Many events for Home School Day at the Capitol will be held inside of the Supreme Court. Reminder: The State House is an office building and is a good place to teach your children about their indoor voices and not running.
Be sure to stop by the third floor and look in the windows of the House Chambers and Senate Chambers.
Through the Senate Chamber windows, you will see this view.
This is the gallery where visitors can sit and observe the Senate in action. The House has one as well. Access it from the fourth floor at 1:30pm (provided there is a session on the day of your visit.) Visit www.iga.in.gov and view the calendar to see session times. Actual times may vary.
In the atrium, you can see each floor above you. The rails are very low. Do not allow your children to lean over them.
Links
Indiana General Assembly Website
Indiana State House Virtual Tour
Full Details For Home School Day at the Capitol
SB 95 Say’s Firefly Proposed Legislation
“The way that Home School Day at the Capitol is set up is ala carte. You are free to pick and choose your activities and depart at your leisure. IAHE’s hope is that each year as the kids grow, they will learn something new from the experience. Most of all, we hope you will teach them that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. It must be maintained, or it will be lost. That is what IAHE does year round. This is one of your ways to pass that important concept on to your children. Homeschool freedom is so important that we take a day each year to come to the Statehouse and let our elected officials know. Thank you for partnering with IAHE!” -Debi Ketron, IAHE