Class IX - Communicating with Political Officials
As you reflect back on our workshop with Jay and Natalie, what did you learn about communicating with political officials that might help you next time you have the opportunity to talk with an elected official?
Do your homework and understand which office is responsible for the issue at hand. I like the handouts of the PowerPoint Slides. One of our members indicated that many government and city officials are not posting current minutes. Since we are paying their salaries, we should always have the most current information. I always get the feeling that regardless of what issues citizens bring to government officials, they (govt officials) already have their minds made up and are only going through the motions. Christie Sullivan
ReplyDeleteI really liked the triangle diagram showing separate positions with no overlap, but going deeper to some shared interests and deeper still to shared values. This is crucial for building consensus. It is a basic tool of negotiation, but I can see how it can be used when talking with elected officials.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciated the need to research beforehand if the elected official actually has the power to affect the issue or not. This is not something one can assume. You have to do your homework.
Andrew (Mesa Springs)
First, if I had one statement to sum up this class, it is that "passion+ preparedness = productive". I think many have passion about many topics, but what do I choose to dig into, to research, to converse about, to think about, to form a position to become prepared is going to be the area that I seek to be productive. Then, to find consensus, move back from that position to see what is my and other's underlying interest and then the common values. I can see that more people would feel heard and more compromise (rather than staunch positions that you won't move from) can bring some benefits to our community. I also don't think this is easy and it takes an intentionality on all "sides". I also found the sections on Channels and Preparation very useful. I would love to hear what else my classmates would add to these, as someone brought up petitions. Finally, I am challenged to narrow my many interests to focus on a few that are key to me at this time! I am not sure I can be truly prepared in all areas!
ReplyDeleteCathy Verdier, OCC
The Triangle diagram with Common Values at the core was helpful. Thinking back to opportunities I've had to meet with various elected officials on the national, state and local levels, that really IS the key to getting very busy, torn-in-many-directions politicians to pay attention to your concerns. In the school setting, if one didn't find that "hook" of common values, you'd likely be labeled a WASP-- Whiney-Assed School Person. Can't get anywhere with that kind of reputation, and that reputation comes straight out of leading with Interests/Positions instead of values. Good discussion!
ReplyDeleteKnow who your elected officials are, and know what they can and cannot do. Know the facts about the issues you are concerned about, do your do diligence to research issues to better engage with elected officials. It is very helpful to know what is and is not under local government control. We learned strategies for effective engagement.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the level of expertise and job knowledge that our presenters possess. I really enjoyed the break out session. I always believe it's a great idea to get us to collaborate and brainstorm our ideas.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed the PP and grids. A key thing is knowing who the elected persons are and what departments you might need to contact in order to get your "thing" considered or accomplished.
ReplyDeleteIt's my experience with State, and City and Country employees that they want to engage with the public and help you get things accomplished.
Class 9
ReplyDeleteDianne Bridges
Key Points:
Excellent discussion and practice workshop on how to communicate with Political Officials.
Appreciate the emphasis on properly balancing research and emotional appeal.
Passion + Preparedness = Productive (fantastic formula for success).
Good advice to show up with realistic outcome in mind.
Excellent to use reason, humor and passion.
Good point to put yourself in their shoes.
Excellent perspective on what to first address---common values/interests before positions.
Key is knowing who is the decision maker for money. Follow the hierarchy.
I found this class very enlightening in terms of putting myself into the shoes of elected officials. They get a lot of grief because of their actions or inactions, but I can only imagine how overwhelmed I would be if I was put in their shoes. I also really appreciated the insight from our presenters on how to be a better civic participant (being overly prepared and also having an open mind). I try to always treat new people I am meeting as though they are one of my friends, being kind and open to discussion gets you a lot farther than anger and resentment will.
ReplyDeleteThere were a few great take aways from this class. Do your research and take your issue to the right people/departments. Balance research and emotional appeal (Passion + Preparedness = Productive). The videos of people speaking to council drove those points home well, and with humor. They also effectively drove home the point of finding common values through a simple diagram. All good points for effectively interacting with not just elected officials, but with everyone.
ReplyDeleteCyndi Long
Middle Shooks Run
This session was a perfect blueprint for how to prepare and present one's concerns to an elected or public official. I appreciate the clarity of their lecture's points.
ReplyDelete