Don't like it? WORK TO CHANGE IT.
Every year, the same 50 lobbyists and organizations meet with the same well-meaning ( but still have to raise money to run for office!) elected officials and provide them with information. And - as a result and no surprise here - the same 50 point of view are what’s represented in funding and policy decisions.
If you care about something? If you really care a lot about something? You NEED to talk to your elected officials, provide them with information about what’s really happening. And trust me, politicians would much rather spend an hour learning about their constituents lives than an hour with a professional lobbyist.
But how can you make sure you're 'doing it right'? We're planning to offer three dynamic, interactive government affairs trainings this fall! Plan to join us, and e-mail me if you want us to e-mail you the schedule when its announced.
July 23, 2011
Don't Get Angry. Get Educated and ENGAGE!
February 17, 2011
Changes at The Art of Politics
Whether or not you agree with them politically, politicians run for office because they really to want to do good things for their constituents. Having worked for both an elected official AND constituent businesses and organizations - I want you to know something: elected officials aren’t getting the whole story. Our so-called representative democracy doesn’t ‘represent’.
The problem is, every year, the same 50 lobbyists and organizations meet with elected officials and provide them with information. And - as a result and no surprise here - the same 50 point of view are what’s represented in funding and policy decisions.
If your organization is doing good, valuable work in our community, you NEED to talk to your elected officials, provide them with information about what’s really happening on the ground with their constituents. And trust me, politicians would much rather spend an hour learning about their constituents lives than an hour with a lobbyist.
To address this issue, I've recently transformed The Art of Politics from a lobbying firm into a Government Affairs Training company. In other words, instead of fishing for people, we're now teaching people how to fish. Our trainings are dynamic, interactive and you'll walk away knowing how to have interactions with elected officials that yield tangible results.
Call us with any questions!
November 10, 2010
New Presentation Up On Slideshare
I recently created a Slideshare account and am sharing information that's been really valuable to my clients. Feel free to pass the site along to anyone you think might benefit from knowing some basics around interacting effectively with elected officials!
September 15, 2010
Social Media in Political Interactions
Most US Representatives and Senators have a Facebook page. Less are on Twitter. However, the Democratic and Republican Parties are gently but firmly suggesting their members get on the social media bandwagon, so look for more to join the party. So what's an engaged organization to do?
I've said it before and it's still true: there is NO replacement for the impact of an effective face to face meeting with elected officials or their staff. Second to a face to face meeting? A personal phone call to a specific person with a specific request. Third? A direct e-mail with a specific request to a specific person.
Is there anything to do after that? Maybe.
If your organization is on Twitter or Facebook, I suggest gentle interactions with elected officials via Facebook and Twitter, but NOT about your substantive issue. Save communications about substantive issues for substantial communications like those described above.
