Communication Relationships with Congressional Offices Congressman Phil Gingrey, M.D. (GA-11) Jen Talaber Communications Director

Office Organization D.C. Office Access to Government and Independent Reports Legislative Updates Constituent Services- i.e. flag requests, tours, etc. Meetings and scheduling requests Constituent Correspondence Website management District Office Casework Forms, paperwork, administrative work District scheduling

Social Media in Local Government Real-time updates Mutually beneficial (Cobb Fly-in example) Resource for news articles and reports

Utilizing Staff– It’s all about relationships… DC Staff Staff = Access Get to know through meetings, , calls Sign up for newsletters and press releases District Staff Good starting for introductions Scheduling requests, casework, etc. Invite to local events Make the relationship mutually beneficial– Keep us updated!

Helpful Advice If you have questions or concerns- call us directly. Don’t organize a campaign of people calling. A meeting with a staffer (instead of the Congressman) isn’t a wasted meeting. Your relationship with staff goes far with the Congressman. Be aware of recess and session weeks, particularly the upcoming lame duck. Some issues will take priority over others. If a scheduling request can’t be accommodated: don’t hesitate to contact the press office for a letter to be read or a 1/5 minute to be submitted for the record.