Congressional Fly-In

Less Counts for More on Capitol Hill

• Congressional fly-ins have become increasingly popular for the association community. A fly-in is exactly what it sounds like. Members of associations fly-in to Washington and meet 1–1 with their representative and senator from back home to discuss issues and policies that matter to their business or cause.

• Members of the Senate and House of Representatives returned to Washington in early January to begin the first session of the 114th Congress. Our recent elections changed the political gridlock between the House and Senate but not between the Democrats and Republicans. Compromise will need to become the name of the political game for the next two years if there’s any hope to move legislation through the process to the President’s desk. This need to compromise creates an opportunity for associations to activate their members and fly-in for some good old fashioned grassroots lobbying.

Constituent Pressure Is still a Powerful Political Tool

• Lobbyists learned long ago that in-person constituent visits influence legislators and get results. Experienced association managers plan their fly-ins and lobbying days well in advance.

• Fly-ins cost the association and its participating members money and time; a tremendous amount of effort goes into planning, preparing, and coordinating fly-ins.

• Fortunately, association staff can rely on expert experience and guidance to help them stage a more productive fly-in.

• Here’s a good place to start. The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) recently conducted a survey for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) on best practices for fly-ins and relationship building on Capitol Hill.

Constituent Pressure Is still a Powerful Political Tool (cont’d)

• CMF surveyed 50 House chiefs of staff and found that, on lobby days it’s more effective to provide less paper and have fewer people at meetings. Hill staffers prefer fewer people in the room and 1–2 pages of leave-behind material.

• It is a good idea to include a constituent and possibly an issue expert in the meeting,

• The survey also suggests that it’s better if the meeting request comes directly from a constituent 3–4 weeks in advance of the desired meeting date.

• Staffers want pertinent issue background information in advance of the meeting, so that they understand which core issues will be discussed and know who’s coming to the meeting.

Lobby Effectively

• Provide the constituent’s reasoning for supporting or opposing the bill or issue

• Explain the impact of the bill or issue on the district or state

• Send a follow- up email to the legislative assistant with issue jurisdiction

• Follow-up with an email to the district or state director

Lobby Effectively (cont’d)

• Send a follow-up email the chief of staff

• Follow-up with a phone call to the legislative assistant

• The survey confirmed that Members of Congress have no preference whether they meet with constituents in Washington or in their home district or state.

• The important thing is that you get that meeting.

NATIONAL GRANGE FLY-IN 2015 and 2016

May 17-20, 2015 in Washington, DCSunday – ArriveMonday – Education day and issues briefingsTuesday – Congressional appointmentsWednesday – Feedback and wrap up

January, 2016 in New HampshirePresidential primary briefings and participate in your candidate’s campaign