March 2-30, 2021
When it comes to advocating for the business of engineering, ACEC National and ACEC state organizations have a long history of success —but elected officials are most impacted by hearing from their own constituents. Engaging in government affairs may seem intimidating, but this course will provide insight into ways you can easily and effectively advocate at each level of government. Furthermore, sessions will demonstrate why design professionals should participate in the political process and how increased and targeted engagement can benefit you, your firm, and the A/E/C industry.
This five-module course combines the scheduling ease of video learning and the immediacy and intensity of a live classroom.
- Access recorded lectures anytime via computer, tablet, or smartphone
- Attend weekly live discussions with instructors via WebEx Meeting
- Take home valuable sample materials including guidelines, checklists, sample leave-behinds, and talking points
- Earn a minimum of 8 PDHs.
Audience
Young professionals (5-7 years), other design professionals interested in honing advocacy skills, committee/board members new to advocacy
Course Outline
Session 1: Federal Legislative Affairs: Where Do You Begin?
Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at 1:00 PM Eastern
Speakers: Catie Kawchak, Federal and State Government Relations Director Volvo Group, Kevin Kuhlman Vice President of Government Relations NFIB; Heideh Shahmoradi, Partner O’Keefe Shahmoradi Strategies
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to effectively engage with congressional representatives and their staff
- Hear form former congressional staffers about the do’s and don’t of engaging with members’ offices
- Learn how to engage with officials while in district including how to get them to projects
Participants will receive materials describing the typical congressional office and traditional staffer titles and duties.
Session 2: Engagement in the Federal Regulatory Process
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 1:00 PM Eastern
Speaker: Fred Andes, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the relevant agencies and the types of regulatory changes, projects, and other programmatic decisions that are subject to rulemaking, public involvement, and comment
- Become equipped with the tools to understand how things work and how to engage in the regulatory process
Participants will receive a checklist on how to file comments.
Session 3: Local Government: Engaging with Zoning Boards
Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 1:00 PM Eastern
Speaker: Russel Rowe, City Councilman, City Manager
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rules of the meetings and how and when to comment or speak up
- Learn how to request the board documentation for specific issue areas
- Explore how to find for your local area the process by which zoning boards meet, discuss, and allow for comment
- Understand the requirements for public notice
Session 4: Effective State Legislative Engagement: Lobby Days, Recess Activities, and Virtual Meetings
Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 10:00 AM Eastern
Speakers: TBD
Learning Objectives:
- Learn the principles of an effective State Lobby Day
- Understand how to best engage with your state legislator and staff during legislative recess/adjournment periods
- Be able to schedule and lead an effective virtual meeting with your state legislator and staff
Participants will receive materials that demonstrate best practices for leave-behinds, committee testimony, and meeting talking points.
Session 5: Using Communications Tools to Support Your Advocacy Efforts
Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 1:00 PM Eastern
Speaker: Jim Bilimoria, former House staffer, former communications lead for SBA
Learning Objectives:
- Review the types of communication tools that best support advocacy efforts
- Learn the building blocks of effective leave-behinds, and effective talking points
- Understand how to communicate effectively using social
Participants will receive best practice examples of leave behinds and talking points.