State Government Relations is Going Virtual
Welcome to the latest edition of the State Government Relations Network Newsletter! We’re excited to share a couple highlights with you.
First, we are pleased to feature our first guest article! Interested in being featured in a future newsletter or event? Pitch us.
Next, I’m delighted that we are just a few weeks away from our annual State and Local Government Relations Conference! This year’s virtual edition will take place over two half days. With 10 content sessions, multiple networking opportunities and more than 20 speakers, we are packing in a lot of information, ideas and professional growth opportunities. You do not want to miss this conference! Register by September 8 to take advantage of early bird prices and group rates. Use the SGR Network discount code at check-out: SLGRSAVE25.
Read on to hear more about the conference and other upcoming events, learn how one of your peers planned a successful virtual state advocacy day and discover resources to help you navigate 2020.
Guest Article: Virtual State Legislative Days
Virtual Hill day fly-ins have received a lot of attention. But what about virtual state legislative days? Public Affairs Council member and Advocacy Coordinator for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Jamie Zuvich, shares what it’s like to hold a successful virtual state advocacy day in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania School Board Association Holds First Virtual State Advocacy Day
By Jamie Zuvich, Advocacy Coordinator for PSBA
New issues come with each legislative session and often affect member districts differently, so like an in-person advocacy day, we encouraged our members to share with their legislators how the trying times impact not only their school district and staff, but also their students. Whether they discussed overcoming obstacles or helping students and the community, storytelling was key to educating legislators. To support our advocates telling their story virtually, our team created a dedicated website*, which housed materials to facilitate effortless outreach and unified messaging.
Our virtual advocacy day began with a Zoom kick-off meeting. Our chief executive officer and chief advocacy officer thanked members for their dedication and participation, and walked them through the issues, talking points and website resources. The members were encouraged to use this information throughout the day in their communications with legislators – via email, social media and/or a phone call, or virtual meetings. These various outreach opportunities let members “choose their own adventure”, making the day as easy as possible for our advocates.
Virtual meetings ran like in-person meetings with the legislator or their staff member. We were also able to schedule a few meetings attended by multiple legislators. Legislative offices were very accommodating and willing to meet with their constituents, and some agreed to meet together in a larger group setting. Most virtual meetings ran 15 – 20 minutes for a smaller group and up to an hour for the larger-attended meetings.
Advocates also had a variety of ways to obtain support throughout the day. For example, they were able to phone a friend to help answer questions. We also hosted open office hours via Zoom where members could ask questions, network with other superintendents and school board members, or provide feedback from their outreach. One opportunity we will schedule for our next advocacy day will be breakout educational sessions to provide important updates and guidance on key issues.
We also encouraged feedback and suggestions for future events. Our members shared that they appreciated the opportunity to advocate from their home, office and school, no matter where in the state they are located. We received positive feedback from legislator participants too, with one PA senator sharing that she welcomed advocacy from her constituents in any way most comfortable for them, and appreciated PSBA creating an inclusive, comfortable and efficient virtual advocacy day.
Another key component of the day was asking the members to thank their legislators for their support, as well as PSBA thanking our advocates for taking their time to join in the advocacy effort. We wrapped up the day by reminding our members that however they participate, they make an impact by letting legislators know how the issues and decisions they make are affecting the schools and students of Pennsylvania that they represent. In-person or virtually, a unified voice across the state is invaluable.
*Website resources list:
- Talking points
- Leave-behind materials
- Link from our VoterVoice account to enable those who did not have meetings scheduled instead send a note to their legislator
- Sample social media posts
- Links to their legislators’ contact information (email and phone number)
- Printable paddle to assist in sharing on social media
- Zoom information for open office hours
- Feedback form to share how their meetings went
To learn more about using digital advocacy tools for state government relations, register for the upcoming State and Local Government Relations Conference.
Don't Miss These Events - And Earn Credits!
Get started on your Government Relations and Lobbying Certificate! A great addition to your LinkedIn profile and resume, this program demonstrates your expertise to employers. It’s free to apply! Find out more and earn credits with the events below.
State and Local Government Relations Conference
| September 22-23 | Interactive Virtual Platform
Our speaker lineup is finalized, and our attendee list is growing. Don’t miss the chance to exchange ideas and get an inside look at how SGR leaders are preparing for state elections, navigating the pandemic, leveraging digital, building coalitions and more. Register before Sept. 8 and save.
State Advocacy Regulatory Bootcamp Virtual Workshop
| November 17 |
Rulemaking is an essential part of the lawmaking process, and every state handles the regulatory process differently. Join us to hear strategies for navigating and influencing this complex but increasingly important landscape.
Hiring and Managing Contract Lobbyists
| December 10 |
Back by popular demand! Hiring a consultant lobbyist is a significant financial investment and can put your reputation on the line. We’ll help you prepare for a successful 2021 by walking you through the ins and outs of hiring, assessing and managing contract lobbyists.
Check Out These Tools and Tips
Resource Library
We now have over 30 free, downloadable resources in our SGR Network Library on Council Connect – with more to come. Access other networks via Council Connect, and view over 200 additional resources. Sign in with your Council login and browse the library. Questions about what you see? Resources you wish were posted? Start a conversation on the community feed!
2019 Government Relations Salary and Structure Survey
Get the scoop on demographics, compensation and benefits, and team structure from over 400 respondents across the profession. Tight budget? We’ve priced this resource to be affordable for teams or individuals.
Case Studies in Coordinating State and Federal Lobbying (Free Recording)
Silos are easy. Coordination is hard. Hear solutions and ideas from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Association for Clinical Oncology.
Leadership Lessons from Women Who Lead in Public Affairs (Free Recording)
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage with advice from one of the profession’s top leaders: Karen Himle, Senior Vice President of Corporate and Government Affairs with Thrivent Financial.
Proving the Value of State Government Relations
ICYMI – This virtual workshop provides excellent strategies, tactics and tools for creating and measuring your SGR work. We highly recommend purchasing the recording and materials.
COVID-19 Resource Hub
Articles, COVID-19 policy trackers and event recordings all in one place. Browse here.
Pitch Us!
Thanks for reading and being part of the SGR Network! Our goal is to support our members during these uncertain times. To discuss navigating challenges or budget concerns for event registrations and resources, contact me at [email protected].