Building relationships with lawmakers back home is a proven-effective congressional interaction strategy. A CMF survey of congressional staff examined the best methods utilized by members of Congress for understanding constituents' views. "Attending events in the district/state" was the top answer, with 98% of congressional staff noting its importance. In-state grassroots strategies got a significant boost in 2011 when the House of Representatives significantly altered its calendar, more than doubling the number of congressional recesses each year. This program will draw upon the results a survey of House District Directors and will discuss the differences and nuances of district-based interactions with members of Congress.