Welcome to The Loop! June 2020
In each issue, you’ll learn how to take advantage of the resources that are included with your organization’s Council membership. So, take a few minutes to stay in The Loop and learn about all the ways Council services can help you do your job better.
Earn a Certificate, Grow as a Leader
Rich Romer, association governance and public policy manager at AAA, is one of our latest graduates in the Certificate in Public Affairs Management program. Completing this certification is no small task! The program combines education on best practices with tools for leading a strategic public affairs team. Read on for why Rich found the experience to be an opportunity to reflect on his experiences and pass along what he’s learned.
I strive to continually stretch myself – to develop professionally and learn new skills. I applied to the certificate program to both supplement the specific abilities I need to do my job, as well as grow in my career.
What has been the biggest impact your certificate has made on your professional development?
While there are many benefits to the certificate program, such as the resource and best practice sharing, the biggest impact was the leadership requirement. I enjoyed writing a white paper and serving as a mentor. I was able to take a step back, reflect on my experiences thus far and convey lessons learned.
Would you recommend the certificate program to another person?
Yes! The courses are engaging and relevant. Plus, you not only get to strengthen your knowledge base, but you also get to connect with other professionals. It’s comforting to know that other companies and people are going through the same challenges!
Click here to learn more about our certificate programs in Public Affairs Management, PAC and Grassroots Management, and our new certificate in Government Relations and Lobbying.[/vc_toggle]
A Post-Pandemic K Street
It’s a new world for public affairs pros. What might lobbying and government affairs look like as the pandemic subsides and a new normal emerges? We asked 245 senior government affairs executives what they think the future holds for in-person meetings with lawmakers, digital advocacy, the November elections and more. Here are a few highlights to consider as you plan your strategy for the remainder of 2020 and beyond.
Vote by mail will gain traction. Nearly 80% believe the pandemic will make voting by mail much more common.
In-person meetings will remain challenging. Over 70% of respondents believe that after the pandemic is over it will be more difficult to meet with federal policymakers in person, and 60% expect to see a decline in traditional lobbying and an increase in the use of digital advocacy strategies.”
Risk management even more valuable. More than half (54%) of respondents report the pandemic has caused their organization to place a higher value on managing political risk through government relations.
Video remains king. Eighty-three percent 83% of government affairs executives say it will become increasingly common to schedule video conferences with federal and state policymakers and their staffs.
Read the full report for more insights.[/vc_toggle]
Networking with Council Connect
Just because in-person events are on hold doesn’t mean you need to stop growing your network. Our members-only, online community Council Connect is a free tool to help you do just that. Here are a few tips for using the platform to connect:
- Grow your circle. Search the directory, add contacts and direct message your peers to expand your community, whether it’s by location or the type of work you do.
- Start a discussion. All communities feature integrated online discussion boards and email forums. Ask away to crowdsource questions and find new ideas.
- Reply to your peers. Jump in and provide resources and advice to your colleagues looking for ideas and solutions.
Need an overview? Watch this recent webinar recording for tips for getting the most out of Council Connect. Or, contact Emily Wallace, membership engagement manager, at [email protected] to set up a time to get you and your colleagues connecting.[/vc_toggle][vc_btn title=”Log In Today” color=”juicy-pink” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.pac.org%2F|||”]
Public Affairs Leaders Go Live
It’s never been more important to stay connected with your community. We launched a new LinkedIn Live series to broadcast informal discussions about the ways public affairs pros are adapting during COVID-19. It’s the best 20 minutes of our workweeks!
These free, livestreamed sessions feature new perspectives and programs from industry leaders as they navigate COVID-19 and other challenges. Guest speakers provide expertise and guidance to professionals in the public affairs field. Some of our series content includes influencing policymakers during quarantine, adapting your grassroots strategy, making diversity and inclusion a priority in workforce development and much more.
Election 2020: A Conversation with Nathan Gonzales
Reaching Policymakers During COVID-19
Pivoting to Digital During Quarantine[/vc_toggle][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1544039790350{margin-bottom: -20px !important;}”]
See You Online!
From Twitter to Zoom to Slack, our conversations and connections have moved online. Here at the Council, we want to meet you where you are. We’re stepping up our virtual offerings to bring the expertise and education to you.
Signature events are going virtual for the first time. Registration is now open for both the Digital Media and Advocacy Summit and the State and Local Government Relations Conference. We’ve carefully selected the platform and content to help you continue to build your network and your skillset. Even though we’re remote, we’re planning some fun activities so attendees can connect with their colleagues during the programs (think mixology and a virtual lounge).
Be sure to check out the latest resources and news on our COVID-19 information hub .
While we all adapt to new ways of connecting and sharing, know that the Council will continue to be a resource to you and your (virtual) team. Don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].[/vc_toggle]
Virtually Out and About with the Council
Even though we may be physically apart, we’re finding new ways to connect. Looking forward to seeing you online soon!
Virtual workshops keep the learning going.
In our LinkedIn Live series, we interview experts at the forefront of public affairs, like Johnson & Johnson’s Jane Adams.
Our team is here for you team! Contact us anytime at [email protected].
Additional Resources
- New Certificate Program!
Be in our first class of graduates for the Certificate in Government Relations and Lobbying - Working through COVID-19 Together
Access information, expertise, virtual programming and more. - Join our Mentor Program!