When you have been invited to testify before Congress, it is prudent to spend some time rehearsing and preparing for the upcoming testimony you will provide. While much of the preparation phase will naturally be focused on research and practice question and answer sessions, you must also understand the appropriate dress standards and personal demeanor … Read more
Before you can effectively promote and defend your issue you must thoroughly understand it. Researching a public policy issue is imperative if you expect to be able to promote it. When you have researched your issue you will be able to withstand even the toughest of questioning from opposing viewpoints. photo credit: Gregs Landscaping Quality … Read more
Washington DC is teeming with interest groups, lobbyists and other groups, all with the goal of trying to affect the outcome of public policy. Although the idea of interest groups and lobbyists having an effect on Congress finds disfavor with many people, it is likely that the number of interest groups and lobbyists will continue … Read more
When building a public affairs website bear in mind that the guidelines for building an effective website are not the same as when building traditional public relations campaigns. When someone visits a public affairs website they expect to receive information without any spin on it. The best websites dedicated to public affairs allow visitors to … Read more
Most legislative campaigns today feature coordinated legislative efforts, and almost all lobbyists now work through legislative coalitions. The reason for this is that lobbyists recognize that there is incredible strength in numbers and that in most cases the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. photo credit: westy48 By coordinating strategies and pooling … Read more
If you want to make effective telephone calls to key members of Congress and their staff, follow these simple guidelines. First, never give a person who answers the phone the opportunity to say no to you. Before you even place the call to a legislative office, ensure you know which staff person currently is responsible … Read more
Congress follows public opinion quite closely. In fact, public opinion and Congress have a relationship in which public opinion can change the course of actions taken by Congress while at the same time Congress frequently seeks to influence public opinion. photo credit: The Democratic Alliance If it is your goal to drive the actions of … Read more
When handled properly, good legal writing stands out. photo credit: Seattle Municipal Archives There are four basic questions that should be asked in considering whether a document meets the standards of good legal writing: Is it easy to read? Is it interesting? Does it work? Is it as short as possible? If you are able … Read more
“The Podestas Face Tough Questions About Lobbying,” by Marc Ambinder, The Atlantic, October 1, 2010 From Lobbying and Advocacy, by Deanna Gelak: §1.1 Introduction Nearly every legislative day, thousands of lobbyists are watching, monitoring, and working to influence the outcome of legislation at the federal level. Simultaneously, lobbyists are presenting hundreds of testimonies and briefings … Read more
Most people do not need a solid understanding of the internal workings and dynamics of Congress. However, without warning, it can become necessary to understand as much as possible regarding how Congress works. This is precisely what occurs when individuals find they must testify before Congress or they decide to become involved in grassroots advocacy. … Read more