Video explains how to communicate successfully with legislators

Emily M. Smith
ASME NEWS

Twelve minutes is all it takes to grasp what works and what doesn't when one is trying to get a lawmaker's ear about an engineering issue.

The dos and don'ts that will lead to effective communication with legislators are outlined in a tape that was produced by ASME's Government Relations Department for last year's Public Affairs Leadership Conference. That tape, "You and Your Legislator: A Plan for Successful Communication," is now available to all units of ASME as well as to individual members.

Getting engineers more involved in the lawmaking process is one of ASME's goals. For those who haven't been introduced to the process, meeting with lawmakers can be intimidating. The video is beneficial because it demystifies the process by offering specific tips about what to do, and what not to do.

To date, several units of ASME and more than a dozen outside organizations — half of which are dedicated to engineering — have benefited from the advice.

In March, Region VIII co-sponsored the Washington state action program and showed the video to more than 30 participants.

"You can talk about the government relations process and how to conduct a Congressional visit for hours," said Dennis Armstrong, Region VIII vice president, "But seeing this short video and the visit scenarios really helps the member to understand what a visit entails."

After the tape ended, the discussion about what engineers could do continued among the participants, said Robert Schneider, the main organizer of the Region XIII state action program. "We spent the day discussing issues and encouraging members to contact their legislators. This video helps the member to see the 'next steps' of how to set up a visit."

The video made its debut at the 2002 Public Affairs Leadership Conference. It was produced by ASME's Government Relations Department to help the Society meet its goal of increasing engineers' participation in the legislative process.

"You and Your Legislator" is available to ASME members for $29 in VHS format, or $39 for the DVD. The charge for nonmembers is $49 for VHS, $59 for the DVD.

To order, visit http://www.asme.org/gric/engineeringpolicy/video2.html.

 

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