Find a Third House Meeting Near You with Indiana Conservation Voters’ New Interactive Map

The 2025 legislative session is in full swing, and Hoosiers across the state have a powerful opportunity to engage directly with their lawmakers at Third House meetings. 

These community forums, often hosted by local chambers of commerce and other civic organizations, provide a chance for constituents to ask questions, voice concerns and hear directly from legislators about the policies shaping Indiana’s future.

To help you find a meeting in your area, Indiana Conservation Voters has launched an interactive map that lists upcoming Third House meetings across the state. With this tool, you can quickly locate events near you and plan to attend so you can make your voice heard on the issues that matter most. (We’ve also got all the information in list form, if that’s easier for you to navigate!)

👉 Check out the interactive map and find your local Third House meeting now!

What is a Third House Meeting?

Third House meetings are informal public forums where state legislators meet with their constituents to discuss ongoing legislative issues. Unlike official committee hearings or floor debates at the Statehouse, these meetings provide a direct line of communication between lawmakers and the people they represent.

At these meetings, you can:

✅ Ask your legislators about key policies and upcoming votes.
✅ Share how proposed laws will impact you, your family, or your community.
✅ Hear updates on legislative priorities and the session’s progress.
✅ Hold your representatives accountable for their decisions.

Tips for Getting Your Questions Answered

Want to make sure your voice is heard? Here are some key strategies for effective participation at a Third House meeting:

1. Be Prepared

• Research the issues you want to discuss before attending. You can find out what we’re watching by signing up for our weekly legislative updates or checking out our blog. 
• Check recent news, proposed bills, and committee actions related to your topic.
• Write down your question(s) and keep them concise.

2. Arrive Early and Sign In

• Some meetings have a formal sign-in process for asking questions—be sure to add your name early.
• Sit near the front where you’re visible and more likely to be called on.

3. Stay Focused and Direct

• Keep your question short and clear (aim for under 30 seconds).
• Start with your name and where you live (e.g., “Hi, I’m [Name] from [City/Town].”).
• Get straight to the point—avoid long introductions or personal stories unless they directly illustrate your question.

4. Ask a Specific Question

• Instead of “What are you doing about climate change?” try:
  “Will you support [Bill Name] to expand renewable energy access for Hoosiers? Why or why not?”
• Instead of “Are you for or against the coal bailout?” try:
  “Will you vote to ensure consumers are protected from rate increases related to fossil fuels?”

5. Be Polite but Firm

• Stay respectful—even if you disagree with the legislator’s response.
• If they dodge the question, politely follow up:
  “I appreciate your response, but I’d like a clear yes or no—will you support this bill?”

6. Connect with Others

• Talk to fellow attendees who share your concerns.
• Exchange contact information and consider following up with legislators together.

7. Follow Up

• If you don’t get an answer or want to press further, follow up with a call or email to their office.
• Consider writing a letter to the editor in your local newspaper about the issue. (We can help with that.)

As you consider the issues ICV is engaged on, here are some sample questions you can ask lawmakers at a Third House meeting in your community:

Energy

• How will you protect Hoosier ratepayers when multiple bills this session create more pathways for utility bill increases? 
• Can you discuss how the Indiana General Assembly could implement more renewable energy to make our energy bills cheaper and our state more competitive?
• How do you feel about the energy affordability crisis and ways to solve it? 

Water

• What conservation strategies do you think are most effective for ensuring long-term water availability in Indiana?
• What steps are you taking to ensure that the financial burden of water pollution, contamination, and flooding is borne by those responsible rather than Hoosier consumers and ratepayers?
• What specific policies or initiatives is the Indiana General Assembly considering to improve water quality in our state?

Democracy

• What ideas do you have about how we can improve Indiana’s historically low rate of voter turnout?
• [For youth/young adults] Do lawmakers like you have any role to play in encouraging young people like me to participate in Indiana elections?  
• I’m concerned that there’s too much division and partisanship in our community. What are your thoughts on turning nonpartisan positions like school boards into partisan positions?

Take Action—Attend a Third House Meeting Near You!

Now more than ever, it’s crucial for Hoosiers to show up, speak out, and hold lawmakers accountable. Whether you care about clean energy, education, healthcare, or any other pressing issue, your voice matters.

Find your local Third House meeting today and make a difference!

📍 Use the interactive map to locate a meeting near you.

Got questions about how to prepare? Reach out to Indiana Conservation Voters for more guidance. See you at a Third House meeting soon!

Want to help promote our interactive list? Please feel free to download and use our graphics on social media!