By Catherine Brown, Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy
Reading time: Four minutes
Attending the National College Attainment Network’s (NCAN) Advocacy Training and Hill Day and meeting with your Members of Congress is an essential first step in forging connections with your elected officials. However, initiating contact
through an introductory meeting is just the beginning of a potentially fruitful relationship. As NCAN members know, to truly make an impact, it's essential to nurture, sustain, and deepen these connections over time. Here are 10 steps to building
a lasting relationship with an elected official or their staff after that crucial first encounter.
Follow Up Promptly
After your initial meeting, don't let too much time pass before sending a follow-up email expressing gratitude for their time. Briefly recap the key points discussed and reiterate your interest in collaborating further on the issues addressed. Send them
NCAN’s federal policy priorities, your state’s affordability gap analysis, information on FAFSA
submission rates, more information about your program, and/or answers to any questions they posed. Be sure to thank them for specific actions they have taken to advance college affordability and offer to be a resource going forward.
Provide Value
Offer your assistance or expertise on matters relevant to their agenda or constituents. Invite them to partner with your organization to
host a FAFSA Completion Event during the national week of action, April 15-19. They could drop in to a FAFSA Completion Event that you are hosting,
or you could join a town hall they are hosting to talk about the importance of completing the FAFSA and answer any questions their constituents may have. Alert them of new research your organization or NCAN is releasing and offer to brief them on the results. Always share information that is objective, unbiased, and reliable so you begin to build a reputation as a trusted source of information. Whether it's volunteering for
a community event in the district, sharing insights on a policy proposal they are championing, or offering to connect them with resources or experts, demonstrating your willingness to contribute can solidify your relationship as a valuable ally.
Stay Informed
Keep abreast of the official's activities, statements, and legislative initiatives. Subscribe to their newsletters, follow them on social media, put a Google alert on their name so you can follow their activities and work, and attend public events they
host or participate in. This demonstrates your ongoing interest and allows you to engage in informed discussions when you reconnect.
Engage Consistently
Regular communication is key to maintaining a strong relationship. Check-in periodically to stay on their radar screen. Share your perspective on how the FAFSA cycle is unfolding, send them fresh research reports, offer feedback on their
initiatives, especially when you are supportive of their work. Share updates on relevant community projects in your domain and continue to seek opportunities for collaboration. Be strategic and consistent in your communication so you stay on their
radar screen.
Respect Their Time
While it's important to stay engaged, be mindful of the official's busy schedule. Keep your communications concise and focused, respecting their time constraints. When requesting a meeting or assistance, clearly outline your objectives and proposed agenda
to ensure a productive discussion.
Be Genuine
Authenticity is crucial in building trust and rapport. Share your personal stories, passions, and concerns with sincerity. Elected officials appreciate constituents who are genuine and transparent in their interactions, as it fosters a deeper understanding
of community needs and priorities.
Build a Coalition
Strength lies in numbers, so consider collaborating with other NCAN members or like-minded organizations in your region to amplify your
collective voice. Working in coalition around shared goals can garner greater attention and support from elected officials,
increasing the likelihood of meaningful change.
Celebrate Successes
When progress is made on an issue you've advocated for, celebrate it with the official and their team. Express your appreciation for their
efforts and acknowledge the positive impact of their actions. Recognizing and reinforcing successes strengthens the bond between you and demonstrates the value of your partnership.
Remain Respectful, Even in Disagreement
Inevitably, there may be times when you disagree with the official's stance or decisions. Approach these situations with respect and civility, focusing on constructive dialogue rather than confrontation. Seek common ground where possible and continue
to engage in meaningful discourse, recognizing that respectful disagreement is a hallmark of a healthy democracy.
Stay Committed for the Long Haul
Building a relationship with an elected official and their staff is not a one-time endeavor but an ongoing commitment. Hill Day was hopefully the beginning of a long and productive relationship. Remain persistent, patient, and dedicated to the process
of engagement, knowing that incremental progress and positive change often result from sustained effort over time. Building a relationship with an elected official requires dedication, communication, and mutual respect.
By following these steps and nurturing your connections with sincerity and integrity, you can cultivate a meaningful partnership that will help advance college affordability over the long haul.
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