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| Tip of the
Week: |
|
Communicating
with Congress Workshop
|
Presenter: Stephanie Vance
Topics
Why it’s Important to Participate
Message Development and Delivery
Legislative Procedure: Key Themes and Where to Learn More
The Top 10 Things Congressional Staff Hate to Hear
History and Background on Congress: Why Congress is so Inefficient
Participation: The Bad News
Only 36% of eligible voters participated in the 1998 elections, compared to 80% in European elections.
55% of Americans think of the government as "the" government as opposed to "our" government
Participation: The Good News
77% of Americans think government could be effective if better managed.
Six in ten Americans think that more citizen participation will improve government.
Dispelling Myths
Government doesn’t do anything
All politicians do is argue – they’re completely ineffective
Politicians don’t listen to the average citizen
Message Development and Delivery: Key Elements
What do you want?
Who should you ask?
How should you ask?
When should you ask?
How should you follow-up?
What Can a Congressional Office Do For You?
Send a letter to a federal agency
Send a letter to an influential colleague
Facilitate a meeting between you and federal agency officials
Help solve your problems with individual government programs
Help you find reports from various government research organizations, such as CRS.
Introduce legislation to change an existing federal law or create a new one.
Cosponsor existing legislation (introduced by someone else) to change a law.
Vote for or against legislation being considered by the committee he or she serves on.
Vote for or against legislation being considered on the House or Senate floor.
What Can’t a Congressional Office Do For You?
Your congressional office cannot guarantee a government contract, grant, or other government action that favors your business.
Your congressional office cannot provide legal or tax advice.
Your congressional office cannot do your homework.
Your member of Congress cannot cosponsor state legislation.
Your congressional office cannot unilaterally change a federal regulation.
Your congressional office cannot provide detailed assistance on federal grants and loans.
Who Should You Ask?
Whose District or State am I In?
What Is the Member’s Legislative Record?
What Committee or Committees Is my Member On?
Where Is He or She on the Seniority Scale?
What Party Does He or She Belong To?
Who’s Who: District Staff
Caseworkers
District/State Scheduler
Field Representative
District/State Office Director
Who’s Who: DC Staff
Staff Assistant
DC Scheduler
Legislative Assistant
Legislative Director
Legislative Correspondent
Press Secretary
Chief of Staff
Tips on Dealing With Congressional Staff
Talk to the Right Person
Remember, Your Issue Is One of Many
Staff Contact Has Advantages Over Member Contact
Institutional Memory in a Congressional Office Can Be Short
Expect (and Appreciate) Youth
How Should You Ask? Developing your Message
Know Your Facts
Make it Your Own Message
Be Positive
How
Should You Ask?
General Message Delivery Tips
Method of Communication
Who Should Ask
Volume Does Not Necessarily Equal Effectiveness
Always Identify Yourself
Be Specific
Prioritize Your Requests
Offer to Be a Resource
Be Polite
Be Patient and Follow-up
Always Tell the Truth
Don’t Vilify Your Opponents
Make Your Opponents Arguments for Them
Don’t Talk About the Campaign with Staff
Ask Staff Which Method of Communication They Prefer
Spell Things Out, Literally
When
Should You Ask:
Legislative Process Key Themes
Turning a bill into a law is a long, involved, inefficient process.
Very few bills ultimately become law.
Advocacy is always required: Bills do not automatically move to the next step in the process.
Timing is critical
Where to learn more
How Should you Follow-Up?
Give it Some Time
Thank You Notes/Follow-up Correspondence
Don’t Distribute Direct Phone Numbers
Be Diplomatic in Reporting Your Experience
The Top Ten List: What Congressional Staff Hate to Hear
10. But I thought my appointment was with the Senator
9. Here’s some reading material for you – our 300 page annual report
8. How much of a campaign contribution did your boss get to vote against (or for) this bill?
7. I assume you know all about HR 1234
6. No, I don’t have an appointment but I promise I’ll only take ½ hour of your time.
5. No, I don’t really need anything specific.
4. We have ten (or more) people in our group.
3. What you’re telling me can’t be right. I heard Dr. Laura (or any other talk show host) say otherwise.
2. What do you mean we have to stand in the hall?
… And the number one item?
No, I don’t represent anyone from your district. I just thought you’d be interested in what I have to say.
A Word of Caution
Even if you know legislative procedure and employ all these tips and techniques, you may sometimes feel like you’re getting NOWHERE.
Don’t Worry! It’s not your fault. Congress is a highly inefficient and frustrating place…
Forging
a New Path
The Constitutional Convention
Been there, done that . . .
Monarchy
Articles of Confederation
Forging a New Path Straight Down the Middle
Shared power
Compromise
Citizen participation
Favoring inaction over action
So Don’t Give Up!
Persistence is Key
