Communicators panel confirms the importance of communications in advocacy campaigns

During a Lunch and Learn session sponsored by the National Press Club Communicators Team Oct. 8, a panel of government relations experts reviewed the best practices for communicating with Congress on advocacy campaigns.

Some of the valuable insights that came from the panelists, who all have had experience working in Congress or state government, included:

• Virtual communications, utilizing Zoom, conference calls or emails, is very effective even though members of Congress are in their home states and staff are largely working from home.

• It is important in most situations to reach out initially to the policy person in congressional offices, rather than the press secretary, to facilitate the best receptivity to the legislative, regulatory, funding or issue-based campaign you have in mind.

• The importance of a local or state print or broadcast news story, op-ed or letter to the editor was emphasized in building support among members of Congress and staff.

• Knowing your audience in reaching out to Congress is imperative, focusing on specifics that impact their states or districts and how your issue can make a difference.

• Brevity in presentation and thoughtful follow-up increase the likelihood for positive outcomes.

Panelists participating in the Zoom session included:

• Keysha Brooks-Coley, vice president, federal advocacy and strategic alliances, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
• Dana Richter, senior policy adviser to U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia
• Lloyd Brown, director of communications and marketing, American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and a Club  member 
• Mike Fulton, director of public affairs and advocacy at Asher Agency and a Club member, moderated the program.