Government Affairs | |||||||||||
A Guide to Legislative Lobbying
at Grassroots 2002 Or Closer to Home |
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You don't have to be a C-SPAN junkie to appreciate the fact that the work of Congress affects you, your livelihood, and how you practice architecture. Just a few examples from the 106th Congresspreservation of qualifications-based selection (QBS) in the federal sector, funding for brownfields redevelopment, TRAC legislation, and school construction and modernizationexemplify how lawmakers can help (or hinder) the business of design professionals. Legislators want to know how the actions they take will affect their constituents, and are eager to learn about the issues facing the people they represent. As an architect, you have insight and expertise that is useful to your members of Congress. They may not always agree with your position on certain issues, but they are always interested in listening to what professionals residing or working in their districts have to say. This guide is offered now for participants in Grassroots 2002, the AIA's annual Leadership and Legislative Conference for component executives and officers, February 27March 1. However, what is true nationally is also true at the state and local level. If you are not traveling to Washington, D.C., you still can use these tips to work with other elected officials, such as local commissioners and state representatives, so you can renew your relationshipsor begin new oneswith the men and women who represent you at all levels of government. Helpful hints for congressional visits Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare for, participate in, and follow-up with your lawmaker. Before your visit: Know where your representative stands: Before your meeting, determine if your representative is a co-sponsor of a bill you are discussing or if they have spoken out about this legislation or issue. Helpful Web sites include Thomas, Legislative Information on the Internet, and the "news" or "press release" section of the member's Web site. Your governor's Web site and contact information can be found through the National Governors' Association and many locally elected bodies have information on the Internet as well. See the reference section sidebar for more information. During your visit: The right address: If you are not on a first-name basis with your representative, address him or her as "congressman," "congresswoman," or "senator." Address congressional staff as you would any other business professional. Start with local small talk: You will probably have three minutes or so for small talk at the beginning of your meeting. Use the time to chat about your districtsports teams, school bond issues, local eventsto connect with what is going on back home. Use this time to establish a bond with people in the congressional office. You may be more knowledgeable about certain issues and late-breaking news than the folks in that office. Let them see you as a source of valuable information. All politics is local: Representatives and senators are always more receptive to arguments that affect their districts or home states. For example, tell your congressional member how school construction legislation would help revitalize a particular school in your town. You gain their respect when you can demonstrate knowledge of your representative's district. Whenever possible, you may also relate the issue you are discussing to your own personal experiences. Don't bluff: If you are asked a question and you don't know the answer, don't make one up. It's always better to say, "Good question. I don't have the answer, but let me check on it and get back to you." This keeps your credibility intact and presents you with an opportunity to continue the dialogue and touch base again. When you get home: Other notes: Power in numbers: Whenever possible, the AIA recommends that you meet as a group with your elected officials. Not only will this strengthen your lobbying effort, it will also respect the time of your lawmakers. There should be one point of contact with your local component to avoid setting up duplicate meetings with the same member of Congress. Gifts: Congressional gift restrictions prevent members of Congress and their staff from accepting any type of gift. Please refrain from offering any gift to your member's office. Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. |
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