Working and Communicating with Congress
This course is designed to provide federal officials and others with a comprehensive understanding of how to work more effectively with congressional staff. The 2-day workshop focuses on the various components of communicating with staff, educating staff, and responding to congressional correspondence, as well as on the specific skills needed to be most effective in this environment. Class sizes are limited to ensure meaningful hands-on experience and practical guidance for all participants.
Topics include:
- An overview of the policy-making environment
- A review of roles and responsibilities of congressional staff
- Tips on writing an effective one-pager
- Guidance on briefing congressional staff
- The special case of appropriators
- Congressional correspondence
This course also includes hands-on workshops on:
- How to brief appropriators
- Responding to congressional correspondence
Target Audience:
Individuals from federal agencies, state and local governments, or non-governmental organizations who interact with congressional staff in writing or in person, or who prepare or assist in the preparation of correspondence or other communication with Congress.
Meets OPM’s Executive Core Qualifications 1 and 5.
NOTE: If a class is indicated as “online session,” expect a mix of live virtual sessions/instruction and a few supplemental components to be completed independently. We will provide additional details to all enrolled participants closer to the start date of the class, but live online portions typically run roughly from 9am – 4pm EST on most days, with short breaks throughout the day and a longer break for lunch.
Dates:
June 10 – 11, 2025 ***ONLINE SESSION***
October 15 – 16, 2025
Tuition: $1,425
