How to Hug a Porcupine: Relationship Building with Lawmakers and Why It’s Important
2019 United for Libraries President's Program
Presented Live: June 23, 2019
This
United for Libraries President's Program, co-sponsored with the ALA
Public Policy and Advocacy Office, focused on building relationships
with lawmakers. Brad Fitch, president and CEO of the Congressional
Management Foundation, discussed how to build relationships with elected
officials and effective communication tactics.
Building
relationships with elected officials can sometimes be difficult and
uncomfortable. It forces you and your key stakeholders to get close to
politicians in ways that may feel “prickly” – like hugging a porcupine.
This program will help participants overcome that discomfort, revealing
the methods and benefits for building relationships with elected
officials.
Participants will learn: who members of Congress and state legislators listen to; what congressional staffers believe are the most effective communications tactics for influencing undecided Members of Congress; and how to conduct effective in‐person meetings, influence legislators at town hall meetings, as well as effective advocacy in the state/district.
Fitch received
his B.A. degree in political science from Johns Hopkins University and
his M.A. degree in journalism and public affairs from American
University. He has spent 25 years in Washington as a journalist,
congressional aide, consultant, college instructor, Internet
entrepreneur, and writer/researcher."