Understanding and Working with Congress
Understanding and Working with Congress is offered only by request, and can be conducted anywhere from a half-day to two days in length. It is designed to enable participants to more effectively represent their programs and policies by gaining a better understanding of the role of Congress with respect to the executive branch in general and their agency in particular.
Combining elements of our Congressional Operations Seminar and the Working and Communicating With Congress workshop, this class provides both an overview of congressional organization and procedures as well as practical guidance on how to most effectively engage with and provide information to congressional staff.
Since its inception nearly three decades ago, Understanding and Working with Congress has been conducted across the United States for thousands of federal managers and employees. It has also been conducted for a number of non-profit associations for the purpose of preparing their members to interact more effectively with Congress. This course can be provided either in person or virtually.
Specific topics are selected based on the organization’s needs and the roles and interests of participants, but they frequently include:
- Key points and misconceptions about the legislative process
- Contemporary party politics and leadership
- Perspectives and interests of various types of congressional staff
- The role of agency congressional affairs offices
- Communicating with staff and developing productive working relationships
- Providing information to Congress most effectively through briefings, correspondence, and hearings
- Setting up productive field visits
Meets Executive Core Qualifications 1 and 5.
For more information, or to arrange a course for your organization, contact Kristin Nicholson.
