Description

TheCapitol.Net's Executive Conference:

Citizen's Guide to Influencing Elected Officials
by: Bradford Fitch

Hosted by Alderman Stephanie Kifowit

April 20, 2011


7:00 - 7:30 a.m Registration and Check in

7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 a.m. Welcome and Introduction by Alderman Stephanie Kifowit

The Dynamics of Representational Government

Understanding the dynamics of the legislative process and what drives legislators are essential to being an effective citizen advocate. This session will explain how legislative offices work and what factors influence legislators and their staff.

8:20 a.m. Strategies for Influencing Legislators

Learn tools and techniques for effectively communicating with state and federal legislators and their staff in today?s time-starved environment. The instructor will provide practical suggestions for making the most of meetings with staff, including how to set-up a meeting, who should attend, and how to follow-up after the meeting. Learn the importance of and how to write a ?one pager.? The session will provide important do's and don'ts of interacting with legislators and building good working relationships with their staff.

9:40 a.m. Working From Home: Communication Strategies

The instructor will discuss how citizen advocates can advocate and communicate with legislators when at home. He will discuss various communication techniques to enhance your message including writing op-ed pieces for your local newspaper, letters to Members of Congress and state legislators, attending town hall meetings, and inviting Members of Congress and state legislators to your business, among other efforts.

10:00 a.m. Program Concludes

Suggested donation: $40.00 a ticket; $50.00 payable at the door.
Checks Made Payable to: Friends of Stephanie Kifowit, PO Box 1414, Aurora, IL 60507.