The Advocacy Handbook 2009:
A Practitioner's Guide to Achieving Policy Goals Through Organization Networks

Need to accomplish major policy goals on a smaller budget?
 
Have to reach officials leery of “special interests?”
 
Want to leverage Web 2.0 tactics - without risking legal and ethical nightmares?
 
With a landslide of policy initiatives churning through Washington, the states and local governments, you can’t be everywhere at once.  Still, even one phrase in a bill can have a profound impact on your organization's policy goals.
 
If you’re starting fresh with advocacy or trying to catch up with organizations that already have highly motivated networks in place, the handbook helps you plan and implement a comprehensive program.  Or, simply zero in on specific aspects of your existing plan, like shoring up HLOGA compliance, creating multi-level networks, or dealing with opponents.

Available through the publisher, Columbia Books.

New!  Citizens in Action

In Citizens in Action, Stephanie Vance, the “Advocacy Guru,” takes the controversial position that it is possible to get heard on the Hill, that not all politicians are corrupt (OK, a few are), and that citizens can “get things done” from Washington, D.C. to their city council. Vance’s tips and advice are helpful whether you’re just getting started on an advocacy effort or have been trying to gain the attention of elected officials for years.

Available through the publisher, Columbia Books or on Amazon.com

The book that started it all...

Government by the People: How to Communicate with Congress

This book explains, in clear and simple terms, why it's important to communicate with your representatives in Congress and how to do so effectively. Packed with resource tips, real life examples, and solid, common-sense advice, How to Communicate with Congress guides you through every step of the process for effective communication -- from background research, to developing and delivering your message, to effective follow-up. You'll gain practical insights, such as how to use the Internet effectively to answer critical questions, the secrets to getting someone in a Congressional office to listen to your concerns, even how long it takes to walk between various locations in the Capitol if you're going to be visiting Washington, DC. If you want to be an effective and active participant in your government, order How to Communicate with Congress today!

MP3

Government by the People: How to Communicate with Congress -- the MP3 Version

Listen to the dulcet tones of the author, Stephanie Vance, as she reads "Government by the People: How to Communicate with Congress." Now you can learn about Congress while driving in your car -- you can't do that with a book!

Download the MP3 for $10.00.  Once the sale goes through, you will be sent a link to the MP3 download within 24 hours. Be sure to include your e-mail! Also be sure to pick "Free/No Shipping"

Customizable Lobby Fly-In Notebook

Designed to be used throughout a lobby day program, the workbook has pockets for inserting specific information about the organization’s asks, worksheets for developing a personal story, a map of Capitol Hill, carbonless NCR forms for making follow-up notes (and leaving a copy for DC staff), and an envelope for collecting business cards. The workbooks can even be customized with your organization’s logo. Individual, non-personalized workbooks are $15, with bulk discounts available.

Guide to Get a Job on Capitol Hill

The guide offers insights into the jobs themselves, how to get ready for a job search, how to find out about openings and how to get hired. It is packed with useful advice on the necessary skills, the top 10 pitfalls to avoid and what to expect when dealing with Congressional offices. Click here for an outline of the book.