Max Burns, PhD President, Gordon State College Fulbright Senior Scholar, Sweden Congressman, GA12

Transcription

1 Max Burns, PhD President, Gordon State College Fulbright Senior Scholar, Sweden Congressman, GA12

2 Sharing the Fulbright story with decision makers and decision influencers (staff) Why is the Fulbright program important to you? Why is an investment in the Fulbright program a win-win for the United States of America? What has been the impact of the Fulbright program on you, your organization, community, state & nation?

3 Inform and update decision makers Start with the basic assumption that They know nothing about the Fulbright program And they usually don t! Decision makers change! New Members, new staff, new assignments (Committees) Build RELATIONSHIPS It s about people, not things It s about peace & security, not politics It s about America and the good we can do in the world

4 March 15 is Fulbright Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill FA staff and alumni make scheduled visits with Members of Congress and the Administration throughout the day to advocate for support of Fulbright Program funding Chapters have an important role in supporting Advocacy Day locally and throughout the year , call or visit your Congressional delegation on March 15 If you cannot participate, encourage your Member to meet with FA representatives on the 15 th Ask them to support Fulbright Program funding FA will guide you and provide assistance

5 Identify the decision maker Congressman, Senator, Administration Official Who do you know that is a decision maker? Who do you know that knows the decision maker? Identify their influencers (staff) In Washington: COS, LD, LA, LC, Scheduler In the district/state: SD/DD, Field Representative Develop an engagement plan for your chapter Appoint/select an Advocacy Chair/Coordinator Form and train an Advocacy team Plan two or three opportunities to inform/influence your decision maker each year

6 Start early! At least 6 months before the engagement Start small (unless you re experienced) Options: Visit Member/staff in your area (district/state) August recess is a great time Invite Member/staff to a Fulbright event Host Member as an honored guest/speaker at an event Visit Member/staff in Washington (coordinate w/ national FA office)

7 Check the Congressional calendar See where the Member will be during the year Know the Member s sphere of influence Tenure Committee assignments Leadership responsibilities Party Respect the Member s time You will have 10 minutes (maybe!) Use your time wisely!! Always have prepared talking points Stay on message! Have a push card (leave behind information) Always ASK for their specific support Can I/we count on your support for

8 Contact the Member s Scheduler Check Member s website or call their district office to ask for the Scheduler s Website/ request for meeting/engagement State purpose, date, time, location Are dates/times flexible? If so, be flexible! Follow-up phone call if no response in two weeks Some Members have multiple schedulers, one for DC, another for the District/State Identify staff support for Member engagement where possible Secure a commitment from the Scheduler

9 Limit your delegation to 2-4 people Do your homework!! Know as much about the Member as possible Connections? Interest? Committees? Be 5-10 minutes early for the appointment Have prepared talking points Stay on message! Talk to the senior person in the room, i.e. Member or senior staffer Always have a prepared ASK your request of the Member/Official Respect the Member s time plan for 10 minutes Have a prepared push card with key points, your request (ASK) and your contact information Get staff members contact information (business cards) Take PICTURES with the Member & your officers/leaders Highlight their visit on your website, social media, internal communications Send copies to the Member s Communications staffer and FA office Thank the Member formally for their visit

10 Scheduling a meeting/event Designate individual to represent Chapter Connect via Member s website House.gov or Senate.gov Confirm meeting/event Staff directories are very dynamic and difficult to access (but you can call to ask for the information) You must identify your Member s key staff Identify Member Field Representative Invite Field Rep to an event/meeting Build a relationship with the Field Representative They can assist with access to the Member They know the Scheduler and can talk with them They know the Chief of Staff and State/District Director They can communicate the purpose/importance of the Member meeting with your FA Chapter

11 Designate a host/escort for the event Consider a pre-event opportunity to have Chapter leadership greet the Member Ensure Member knows the purpose and their role in the event Reserved seating at head/designated table Place key communicators with/near the Member Respect the Member s time

12 Give them a role in your program If it s formal, i.e. a dinner or banquet: Afford them a part on the program Allow them to speak, either as keynote or in a more limited role Ensure they know their role and are briefed on the audience, purpose of the event and time allocated for remarks If it s less formal, i.e. a reception or picnic or Introduce them & allow brief greetings/remarks Publicly thank them for their service

13 Take PICTURES with the Member & your officers/leaders Highlight their visit on your website, social media, internal communications Send copies to the Member s Communications staffer and FA office Thank the Member formally for their visit

14 Let FA know when you ve scheduled meetings or events with MoCs Send FA photos and reports of events with MoCs and staff Connect with FA staff if you need assistance with preparations for events that include MoCs and staff Ask FA staff if you need Fulbright statistics for leave-behind information for meetings in district offices or on Capitol Hill

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