1. Tips for Local Congressional Engagement & Grassroots Advocacy
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Ted Stiger
Director of Government Relations & Policy

2. Presentation Overview
Why should you and your organization be involved in local and grassroots advocacy
Understanding the different roles of state/district congressional staff & building creditability
Tips and strategies for effective local congressional engagement

3. Why do local engagement and grassroots activities locally?
The work we do depends on it
Rural communities depend on it
One of largest capital investments in a small town is the water system
These are public dollars and community investments
Raises your organization’s and RCAP National Network visibility

4. Tips for Local Congressional Engagement

5. KEY POINT: Target Audiences
To be truly effective as a Grassroots Advocate, you need to know both the staff in DC and staff in the district/state.
Member of Congress
State or District Staff
Project Directors
Case Workers

6. How Can Your Lawmakers & Staff Help You?
Introduce or Cosponsor Legislation
Sponsor / Sign Dear Colleague Letter on Issue
Vote on a Bill or Amendment in Committee or on Floor
Send Letters to Federal Agencies on Specific Issues
Support Letter for Federal Grant Applications
Talk with Committee Chairman or Congressional Leadership about Local Issues

7. Key Activities to Building Relationships
Cultivate Newly Elected Members (Before the election, during transition & immediately after election)
Identify Local Connections to Lawmakers & Staff
Schedule Visits and Tours of Projects near or after Completion
Assist in Development of New Ideas & Initiatives (Match issues to committee assignments)
Invite to meetings, board events and announcements

8. Establishing Credibility
1. Tours of Successful Projects
2. Provide timely, concise & useful information
Always provide 1-page summary with specific request
Follow-up with additional reports and information

9. Establishing Credibility
3. Ask “independent” constituents and communities to tell your story
4. Give Thanks and Praise
Awards and Recognition
Thank You Note after Each Meeting / Action

10. Tips for Local Congressional Engagement
Writing, ing, calling and visiting legislators in DC are all essential steps in building relationships and delivering messages…BUT
The most effective method for educating members of Congress and staff is to have them visit your organization and project sites

11. Tips for Local Congressional Engagement
Invite members and their DC staff to visit your office or take a tour of a current project
Recognize lawmakers for key accomplishments
Involve key contacts, such as local community officials and business leaders, in the meetings or site visits

12. Tips for Local Congressional Engagement
Best time to invite members and staff is during congressional recesses
More relaxed and away from DC
When a member is first elected

13. Tips for Local Congressional Engagement
Remember that people in the communities we serve are our best advocates
Make sure to communicate the event with local media
Follow-up to the visit or meeting is just as important as the actual event

14. Tips for Local Congressional Engagement
The Art of Saying Thank You
Most common mistake of lobbyists and grassroots advocates is forgetting to say thanks!
Reasons to thank your lawmakers, include:
Vote taken on floor or in committee
Sponsor or cosponsor important legislation
Taking the time for a personal meeting
Signed “Dear Colleague” letter on a specific issue
Election/ reelection to Congress or leadership position
Support on local project or issues

15. Keys to Success:
You must make the effort; No one else cares as much about your organization as you!
As Yogi Berra said, "You have to give 100 percent in the first half of the game. If that isn't enough, in the 2nd half, you have to give what is left."
Become a trusted partner who delivers on promises and delivers high-quality services and products to rural communities
Play politics, but never partisan politics!

16. Keys to Success However, You Must Tell Your Story…
Regular Visits and Face-to-Face Meetings
Profession Web Site… Making A First Impression!
Program Impact Reports and Power Points
Annual Report with Humanized Stories & Impact
Professionally-Designed Newsletters and Reports
Informed Board Members and Partners to Reinforce Your Message and Credibility

17. Keys to Success: Strengths
Networks of people and communities, as well as Private Sector, Nonprofit and Federal and State Partners
Knowledge of federal and state programs and regulations – problem solvers
Intermediary between local communities, states, federal government, and practitioners – You are part of the intergovernmental process!

18. Questions?

19. Assistance Partnership
Western RCAP Rural Community Assistance Corporation (916)
Midwest RCAP Midwest Assistance Program (952)
Southern RCAP Communities Unlimited (479)
Northeast RCAP RCAP Solutions (800)
Great Lakes RCAP WSOS Community Action Commission (800)
Southeast RCAP Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (866)
Rural Community
Assistance Partnership
Practical solutions for improving rural communities
First, a word about RCAP.
Non-profit providing training and TA to rural communities & tribes on DW & WW issues
Work in all 50 states, plus PR & USVI – 6 regional offices & one national
Funded by federal grants (USDA, HHS, EPA) and state grants
Staff have expertise in DW & WW treatment, utility financing, management & general administration
RCAP National Office
1701 K St. NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC
(800) |