Connecting Close to Home - Engaging Federal Policymakers in Your Community

Discover effective strategies for engaging federal policymakers during their district work periods in this 56-minute webinar hosted by AGU. Learn how to schedule and prepare for meetings with congressional offices in your community, and explore ways to host policymakers at your institution. Gain insights from government relations experts on advocating for scientific community priorities. Hear from experienced speakers, including representatives from the Seismological Society of America, American Geophysical Union, and congressional staff members. Explore topics such as the uniqueness of district visits, building relationships with staff, follow-up techniques, and best practices for successful meetings. Understand the importance of budget requests, security protocols, and the typical day of a policymaker. Benefit from expert advice on avoiding common pitfalls and maintaining professionalism throughout the engagement process.

Introduction
Speaker Introductions
What Makes District Visits Unique
Scheduling a District Visit
Getting to Know Your Staff
Following Up
Useful Information
Budget Requests
DC Staffers
What Makes a Bad Meeting
Be Polite
Access to Offices
Security
Typical Day
District DC Relationship
Audience Question