Though you may be tempted to run full-speed ahead to achieve the goals on your advocacy lists, don't enter an unknown state capitol without doing…

When the 111th Congress convenes in January, it will bring about significant changes in legislation and regulations that will affect millions of

This year's November elections will have a major impact on our government for years to come, as the state lawmakers elected will have the important…

The American Society for Quality followed four simple rules to position itself as a trusted source for government agencies and lawmakers. By following…

Next month, members of Congress and their staff will be heading outside the Beltway to their congressional districts to hold town hall meetings,

Your association's ability to develop, build, and deploy relevant social networks must be a part of your overall government relations strategy. While…

Endorsing political candidates can be a valuable strategy for an association. It offers a method to help support those who agree with an organization's…

Even in today's technological era of ever-increasing social media avenues, email remains the fastest, best way to engage advocates. To motivate responses…

Associations that strive for a top-notch political and public policy program should incorporate informal meet-and-greet receptions into their congressional…

David Gergen has advised four presidents. Now, he has some advice for you.

Before setting your members loose on Capitol Hill, make sure they are prepared. Encourage your association’s fly-in participants to visit a new website…

In light of tough economic conditions and a change in administration, there can be tremendous value in creating (or recreating) a government relations…

Associations might not have as much cachet as P. Diddy or Bono. But when it came to getting people involved in the 2004 elections, several associations…

What do you do when sweeping new legislation falls from above? Act — and fast.

Use video to add new life to your grassroots communications efforts.

Impact assessment can help associations evaluate performance and improve future lobbying efforts. Use a simple five-step process to find out how

A monthly summary of recent developments relating to association legal issues.

• ADF Challenging IRS Ban on Political…

A monthly summary of recent developments relating to association legal issues.

• ASAE & The Center Launches "The Power of A"
…

A monthly summary of recent developments relating to association legal issues.

• House Passes Statutory PAYGO Bill
• Government

A monthly summary of recent developments relating to association law.

A monthly summary of recent developments relating to association legal issues.

A monthly summary of recent developments relating to association legal issues.

A monthly summary of recent developments relating to association legal issues.

• LD-203 in 'Final Testing Stages'
• IRS…

A monthly summary of recent developments relating to association legal issues.

Wondering how the new campaign finance reform law will affect your association? Here's how.

How do you play on the Hill? The National Recreation and Park Association launched an effort to find out exactly how their government affairs efforts…

Congressional staffers can receive hundreds or even thousands of email messages each day. Make sure your email is read: Send timely messages; choose…

Three association leaders talk about the steps their organizations are taking to help make the nation a safer place.

Revamp your grassroots program by identifying and adding your star “grasstops,” also known as key contacts, to your roster of influential volunteers.…

Contract lobbyists can add tremendous value to your government relations program, but you must be vigilant to ensure contracted professionals successfully…

While your lobbyists and PR campaigns can educate decision makers and raise the profile of your issue, nothing communicates the political and personal…

Once you have set your goals and identified volunteers to launch a grassroots advocacy campaign, you’ll clear reporting and accountability measures,…

The Lift One program benefiting poor families and children around the globe realized the potential of grassroots campaigning and other internet tools…

Political action committees with investment income and annual gross receipts (political contributions plus investment income) normally totaling more…

This overview of the Internal Revenue Service’s recent report informs association leaders about changes to Form 990, designed to deter misrepresentation…

Regardless of whether or not you're an Obama fan, it's hard not to be impressed by the strategies he used in his grassroots campaign to win the presidential…

While the safest political bet is to remain on the sidelines, taking an official stance on legislative races can have a long-lasting, positive impact…

The year 2010 is particularly challenging for healthcare associations, which are facing decreasing advocacy dollars but increasing member demand

Advocacy and communication efforts need to go hand in hand—and not just after you've declared victory. A successful association advocacy campaign…

The Internet is a valuable medium for promoting your organization's key issues. But with so much information online, how can you be sure that your…

Here's what to do upon receiving your congressional request of presence.

Caucuses help the legislature hum. Government relations staff need to make sure they're humming your organization's tune.

When disaster strikes, analyze the connections to your policy issues-and then raise those connections with policymakers.

Download the GR Section Council's recently revised core competencies document for a blueprint to the profession.

Learn what it takes to use the Internet to bring your grassroots program participants together.

Is your association reaching the 59 percent of U.S. adults now online? Take your advocacy program online with these four easy tips, or read the related…

This practical resource cuts through the glut of useless information on the Internet and connects you with the people, the organizations, and the…

To give greater impact to their issues and support their call for increased federal funding, the American Academy of Dermatology Association and

Want to remove the fear of advocacy, involve members in the association, and further the national policies of your organization? Create a government…

The Federal Election Commission allows trade associations with related political action committees to electronically obtain the requisite prior approval…

The Federal Trade Commission fines three companies for violating regulations that prohibit collecting information from children through commercial…

The Federal Trade Commission releases a report that summarizes law enforcement actions against those who use postal mail, unsolicited faxes, and

The Internal Revenue Service issues an information letter stating that an exempt organization may support a ballot measure without compromising status…

The Internal Revenue Service recently released a call for comments, searching for suggestions about new initiatives in outreach, education, and compliance…

During an election year with increasingly expensive campaigns but stricter regulations regarding donations, organizations turn to direct giver programs…

An experienced government relations practitioner reveals ideas for understanding your opponents.

Congressional leadership staff speak out on the issue of electronic versus regular mail.

Five quick tips for becoming an effective advocate.

Making specific requests and following up after meetings are important techniques that will ensure your future success with elected officials and…

So you want to testify at a congressional hearing? Here's a quick primer for learning about and effectively participating in hearings.

With a new president finally in office, associations can use the political energy created by election 2000 to get members involved in effective advocacy…

The IRS is looking to make significant changes to the Form 990. While the potential changes may unsettle some association professionals at first,…

Federal and state governments and agencies rely on commissions, public advisory committees, and technical groups to provide advice, comments, and…

501(c)(3)s should stay away from lobbying and other political activities — if they want to abandon some of the most effective tactics they have available…

Tips and insights to help your association's grassroots program succeed.

MySpace, LinkedIn, and Facebook aren't just for the youngest association members. Learn why and how to add your organization's presence to these

Although the Internet provides another avenue for communicating with Congress, there are a few guidelines advocates should keep in mind when using…

It is not the size of your organization, staff, or budget that solely determines the success of your advocacy program. Far more important are the…

How can you plan effective state-level advocacy if you're a national organization without state association partners?

Why do some GR departments, specifically grassroots and PAC operations, consistently get increased budget funding and staff resources while others…

Where can association members entertain a group of federal/congressional employees for lunch in Washington, D.C., for around $20 a person including…

Now that most organizations recognize the importance of technology in their advocacy efforts, the playing field has been leveled. When the technology…

In today's economy, associations are required to do more with less. Government relations professionals are tasked with accomplishing their advocacy…

Why you should keep your government relations program moving year round.

Position Description: Develops and guides the organization’s legislative, regulatory, and member education activities. Maintains contacts…

An association found the cure for its members’ lack of knowledge about effective government relations in three magic words: Lights, camera, action.…

Reduced member price, now only $22.50

Carry the torch for effective grassroots efforts by training your advocates to deliver your organization's…

In a difficult economy, budget time can be painful for the association GR professional. How will you compete with your colleagues for more funding…

Written for both new and seasoned lobbyists as well as the CEOs who manage them, this comprehensive guide to state lobbying enables you to plan and…

Lurking in the government's archives is a vast amount of knowledge that can help your organization's advocacy efforts, and thanks to the Freedom

Follow this primer to guide your state associations in hiring a lobbyist.

Inviting legislators to visit your organization or a member's facility is an effective way to educate them about your association. Here are some

Read these two case studies detailing how grassroots organizations used interactive technologies to rally support for their issues.

We all know ethics and advocacy can go hand in hand. Is it time to formalize that relationship through a grassroots code of ethics? Review a code…

Association government relations professionals need to work closely with their communications departments to ensure lobbying efforts are organized…

Tips on helping your members get the most out of your annual legislative fly-in.

Don't wonder what your members want: Just ask them.

The start of 2008 brings a new round of changes to federal requirements for lobbyists, as the industry continues to feel the ripple of the Abramoff…

Government relations professionals shared their secrets to a successful Legislative Day during a listserver discussion at the end of January. Suggestions…

Everyone's talking about Twitter, but can it serve a purpose for the government relations department at your organization? Perhaps its best use is…

How your media campaign can help your association reach its legislative goals.

Try these 10 strategies for using congressional town hall meetings to advance your legislative agenda.

A complete news media campaign includes not just the internet, but also the social aspect of the internet, such as blogs, forums, and social pages…

Position Description: Works as an assistant to the Public Policy or Government Affairs staff. Monitors issues relevant to members and assists…

Participants on the Government Relations Section e-mail list sound off on what should be included in a government relations handbook.

Make the most of your contract relationships by learning how to hire and supervise federal and state lobbyists.

Learn how some of the most powerful lobbying groups in the world motivate their best grassroots advocates.

Participation in face-to-face meetings with legislators may be the most effective and satisfying way to advocate for your association. Be sure you…

Empower your key contacts with grassroots training that involves preparing attendees, encouraging their participation, supporting their efforts,

By combining grassroots campaigns with national advertising efforts, an association can increase the visibility and impact of its message at a lower…

The next 12 months will prove especially busy for government relations professionals who will likely see increased legislative activity as the Obama…

Motivating members to partake in grassroots initiatives requires adequately preparing them—whether they ask for help or not. The delicate balance…

If your association has a PAC, then this sample from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores may be of use. This one page form is used by the…

If your association has a PAC, then this sample from the National Restaurant Association may be of use. This 4-color form is used by the NRA-PAC

This comprehensive sample, submitted by the National Restaurant Association, is a great resource for associations with a NRA-PAC. The sample lists…

If your association is looking to create (or re-write) bylaws for its Political Action Committee (PAC), then these sample bylaws written for the…

This concise and comprehensive sample was provided by the National Restaurant Association. The sample describes the responsibilities for a State

Government relations professionals who work for national organizations that do not have associated state components face unique challenges in lobbying…

It's been a little more than a year since President Obama and his administration made their way to Washington, DC. With their arrival came new priorities,…

Your association's membership is a fertile base for grassroots lobbying, but members often need friendly reminders. Begin 2008 by encouraging your…

Though the election may have resulted in some of your key connections losing their positions, remember that a new president and members of Congress…

Being the ringmaster of a lobby day requires a special kind of derring-do. Here’s how to get your act together for an event that can make the difference…

While considering a grassroots code of ethics, it's critical to understand why the need for such a code has arisen, which means examining our past…

When facing the fear of change, striving for practical benefit can bring sides together.

The dawn of a new year and a new administration brings changes to the political world. New interpretations of the Lobbying Disclosure Act, new contribution…

When working with the government, associations that want to carve out the best possible legislation they can must not let the perfect be the enemy…

Through its innovative Grassroots Technical Assistance Program, the National Health Council has identified four key strategies to strengthen association…

Through its innovative Grassroots Technical Assistance Program, the National Health Council has found four key strategies to strengthen association…

Think about the ethical dilemmas that your members face and how your association does or does not address these concerns.

One of the most basic reasons an association forms is to promote the common interests of its members. When government elections heat up, associations…

This valuable benchmarking tool contains over 70 tables of data categorized by staff size and organization type along with a summary of major findings…

In addition to a summary of major findings, this useful benchmarking tool contains over 50 tables of data covering the areas of public relations,…

This report comes out every two years and includes information about the National Restaurant Association's donors, PAC, and the most recent election…

In Last Campaign 75 Million Americans Connected to Politics Online Through Getting News, Information on Web, Exchanging Political Emails, and Taking…

These processes for taking policy positions document was developed by a national, nonprofit advocacy organization with 20 employees and a budget

When it's time for lawmakers to make their decisions, they turn to the people they know and trust. Several "underdog" advocates at associations have…

Learn how outreach through e-mail can draw outsiders to your Web site.

Can something as simple as assigned seating add energy to your next PAC event? Staff in the GR department at the American Bakers Association learned…

When Congress is out of session, your grassroots lobbyists' work is just beginning.

Long-term relationships with your elected representatives do not have to equal large campaign contributions.

In the same way that politicians carefully choose their words in order to send the right message to their audiences, so should GR professionals carefully…

The newly enacted E-Sign Act enables associations to manage more of their daily operations electronically.

Significant changes to the current telemarketing sales rule would limit telephone solicitations for contributions from charities, associations, and…

Follow these suggestions when your new GR committee members assume their roles.

Increase the reach of your most important issue by forming a coalition with a diverse group of organizations.

Trade association PACs face a host of challenges when soliciting contributions from the employees of member companies.

A site visit from an elected official can generate support for your association's issues, but getting on a legislator's calendar can be difficult.…

All eyes are on Congress as the parties try to come to terms on several issues affecting associations.

The U.S. House of Representatives approves Bush-Norwood bill.

The House passed a pension reform bill that allows employees to increase the amount they defer to savings plans; proposed campaign finance legislation…

A recent $1.35 trillion tax cut includes a number of ASAE-supported benefits for association executives.

The 106th Congress made associations a big part of its discussions during 2000; IRS introduces new pension and mileage rates for 2001.

Recommendations on improving referral procedures for selecting exempt organizations for audit are handed down to the Internal Revenue Service's Tax…

Your volunteers need to know that grassroots movements really can have an impact on legislators' decisions. Share specific data with your advocates…

Associations with limited government relations staffs are challenged to sift through the hundreds of thousands of bills introduced in state legislatures…

Five critical ways technology has changed the formation and dissemination of public policy.

Government relations professionals should understand the current political climate and know how to navigate the political waters to succeed at their…

Discover the advantages of filing campaign contribution reports electronically.

Learn how the Federal Trade Commission's rulemaking regarding commercial e-mail affects your association.

Influencing how the executive branch of the government turns laws into regulations may not be as glamorous as lobbying Congress, but when it comes…

Work with the media to get your message across.

Online advocacy tools make it easy for members to weigh in with public officials. Association leaders using the technology suggest that, to be effective,…

Discover why lobbyingÆs legal and tax implications for 501(c)(3) organizations are often misunderstood.

Primaries are an integral part of the selection process for any political party that has more than one candidate running for the same political office.…

As a GR professional, you're the coach that has to keep your members motivated to push on toward the finish line, even when they're running out of…

Republican appointees to federal courts far outnumber Democratic appointees. What does this mean for associations looking to challenge a law or defend…

Getting to know your state and federal legislators can help you advance your association's initiatives. Check out these resources to find out more…

Knowledge equals power, and nowhere is this truer than on Capitol Hill. Effective advocacy starts with a basic understanding of the House and Senate.…

A roundup of legal happenings.

A roundup of legal happenings.

A roundup of legal happenings.

When associations speak to decision makers on any issue, should we seek to represent the leading companies that are implementing cutting-edge business…

Just because you get a newspaper to write an editorial doesn't mean that politicians will stand up and take notice of your association's viewpoint.…

Print advertisements can increase awareness and mobilize support for your issue, although often at a hefty price. Before committing your organization's…

Learn effective ways to use newspaper editorials to your association's advantage.

Get congressional members to sit up and take notice of your issue by crafting a targeted letter to the editor.

The process behind the Vermont Society of Association Executives' legal challenge against a state-administered lobby tax that ended with a victory…

Without the right financial controls, your PAC's funds may be at risk. Be sure you're protected, and keep your donors' dollars out of the wrong hands.…

Two months ago, the North Carolina Alliance for Health claimed a victory when Governor Beverly Perdue signed a law mandating that restaurants and…

One association embraces social media to stop legislation that would potentially cripple its industry. Using traditional communication combined with…

Take advantage of the new year and resolve to track new and existing legislative activity with relevance to your association. Create an association…

The Denver Art Museum and a group in Commerce City, Colorado, both did it, and you can, too.

The Supreme Court's recent ruling could have a big impact on associations and nonprofits. Here's why.

Six key ingredients for building an effective grassroots program.

In a pluralistic society, democracy only works when minorities also are fully engaged in the political process. Here's how the National Council of…

Next time your association faces a legislative battle, reinforce your lobbyists by generating favorable media coverage. Here's a quick guide to developing…