How and What to Communicate with Your Congressional Leaders

1. How and What to Communicate with Your Congressional Leaders A Presentation to NATOA by TeleCommUnity Michael Bracy Gerry Lederer September 21, 2005 Washington,DC

2. Presenters Gerry Lederer Mike Bracy

3. Program Outline Effective Advocacy Basic Steps Michael Bracy Effective Advocacy The State of Play and Messages Gerry Lederer

4. Understanding Washington Power Comes From Three Sources: Money Information Ability to Reach an Audience Every Policy Decision is a Risk/Reward Calculation

5. Communicating with Elected Leaders Identifying the Member�s role Scheduling the Meeting Meeting Preparation The Meeting Follow-Up

6. Identifying the Member�s Role On what committees does the member serve? How involved is the member in this issue? What position has the member taken on the issue in the past? Is the member a friend or foe? A champion?

7. Scheduling the Meeting Identify existing relationships with staff Note any previous interaction with staff Identify points of mutual interest (upcoming events, specific actions being taken, etc.) Assess how much time to ask for

8. Meeting Preparation Research past legislation on the issue that the member has introduced, co-sponsored, supported, or discussed. Identify the member�s position on any related issues. Limit the number of people attending the meeting. Assign talking points.

9. The Meeting Maintain a friendly demeanor - avoid confrontation Remind the staffer of past support and success Ask questions to determine the member�s current position on the issue

10. Follow Up Thank the member or staffer for meeting with you Promptly send any materials were requested during the meeting Schedule the next meeting or follow up call with staff

11. The State of Play Applying Advocacy Tools and Shared Messages

12. Brand X Fallout FCC Affirmed & Emboldened? Bells pushing for the perceived advantages of interstate information services and national franchise. Threat does not reside only in Congress.

13. Commerce Committees - Parallel Processes The Fundamental Issue Facing Policy Makers - Managing Transition from Analog to Digital Telecommunications Framework: Closed-door leadership negotiations. Attempts at consensus building. Timeline is unclear, but nearing. Katrina slowed, but did not derail effort.

14. �Marker� Legislation National Franchise House Staff Draft Ensign Bill (S. 1504) Smith/Rockefeller (S. 1349) & Blackburn/Wynn Bills (H.R. 3146) Muni-Provisioning House Staff Draft McCain/Lautenberg (S. 1294) Sessions Bill (H.R. 2726) Session bill has one co-sponor � Rep, Jeff Miller of Florida Ensign has two � Lott and McCain. DeMint was on angd got off. McCain/Luatenberg and Kerry are on muni-provisioingn bill Rep Wynn, Albert Russell [MD-4] - 6/30/2005Rep Walsh, James T. [NY-25] - 7/12/2005Rep Jindal, Bobby [LA-1] - 7/12/2005Rep Sweeney, John E. [NY-20] - 7/14/2005Rep Crowley, Joseph [NY-7] - 7/18/2005Rep Conaway, K. Michael [TX-11] - 7/21/2005Rep Kuhl, John R. "Randy", Jr. [NY-29] - 7/21/2005Rep Culberson, John Abney [TX-7] - 7/21/2005Rep Wexler, Robert [FL-19] - 7/25/2005Rep Thompson, Bennie G. [MS-2] - 7/25/2005Rep Rothman, Steven R. [NJ-9] - 7/25/2005Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] - 7/25/2005Rep McHugh, John M. [NY-23] - 7/26/2005Rep Mollohan, Alan B. [WV-1] - 7/26/2005Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] - 7/27/2005Rep Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [GA-2] - 7/27/2005Rep Weller, Jerry [IL-11] - 7/27/2005Rep Boehlert, Sherwood [NY-24] - 7/27/2005Rep Neal, Richard E. [MA-2] - 7/27/2005Rep Drake, Thelma D. [VA-2] - 7/27/2005Rep Myrick, Sue [NC-9] - 7/27/2005Rep Bachus, Spencer [AL-6] - 7/28/2005Rep Bonilla, Henry [TX-23] - 7/28/2005Rep Capito, Shelley Moore [WV-2] - 7/28/2005Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] - 7/28/2005Rep Kennedy, Patrick J. [RI-1] - 7/28/2005Rep Baca, Joe [CA-43] - 7/28/2005Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [NY-14] - 7/28/2005Rep Price, Tom [GA-6] - 7/28/2005Rep Davis, Jo Ann [VA-1] - 7/28/2005Rep Meeks, Gregory W. [NY-6] - 7/28/2005Rep Camp, Dave [MI-4] - 7/28/2005Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] - 7/28/2005Rep Shaw, E. Clay, Jr. [FL-22] - 7/29/2005 Session bill has one co-sponor � Rep, Jeff Miller of Florida Ensign has two � Lott and McCain. DeMint was on angd got off. McCain/Luatenberg and Kerry are on muni-provisioingn bill Rep Wynn, Albert Russell [MD-4] - 6/30/2005Rep Walsh, James T. [NY-25] - 7/12/2005Rep Jindal, Bobby [LA-1] - 7/12/2005Rep Sweeney, John E. [NY-20] - 7/14/2005Rep Crowley, Joseph [NY-7] - 7/18/2005Rep Conaway, K. Michael [TX-11] - 7/21/2005Rep Kuhl, John R. "Randy", Jr. [NY-29] - 7/21/2005Rep Culberson, John Abney [TX-7] - 7/21/2005Rep Wexler, Robert [FL-19] - 7/25/2005Rep Thompson, Bennie G. [MS-2] - 7/25/2005Rep Rothman, Steven R. [NJ-9] - 7/25/2005Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] - 7/25/2005Rep McHugh, John M. [NY-23] - 7/26/2005Rep Mollohan, Alan B. [WV-1] - 7/26/2005Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3] - 7/27/2005Rep Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [GA-2] - 7/27/2005Rep Weller, Jerry [IL-11] - 7/27/2005Rep Boehlert, Sherwood [NY-24] - 7/27/2005Rep Neal, Richard E. [MA-2] - 7/27/2005Rep Drake, Thelma D. [VA-2] - 7/27/2005Rep Myrick, Sue [NC-9] - 7/27/2005Rep Bachus, Spencer [AL-6] - 7/28/2005Rep Bonilla, Henry [TX-23] - 7/28/2005Rep Capito, Shelley Moore [WV-2] - 7/28/2005Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] - 7/28/2005Rep Kennedy, Patrick J. [RI-1] - 7/28/2005Rep Baca, Joe [CA-43] - 7/28/2005Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [NY-14] - 7/28/2005Rep Price, Tom [GA-6] - 7/28/2005Rep Davis, Jo Ann [VA-1] - 7/28/2005Rep Meeks, Gregory W. [NY-6] - 7/28/2005Rep Camp, Dave [MI-4] - 7/28/2005Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] - 7/28/2005Rep Shaw, E. Clay, Jr. [FL-22] - 7/29/2005

15. Marker Legislation DTV Transition Slaughter - Low-Power Radio Expansion/Protection Hinchey - Media Ownership Rollback

16. Talking Points -- Vision Preserve local authority to manage public rights of way for the benefit of everyone. Protect local authority to establish taxes that are consistent with local needs and maintain adequate revenue.

17. Talking Points -- Vision Protect and enhance local ability to provide for homeland and hometown security. Recognize local roles in promoting nondiscriminatory access to the full range of communications services.

18. The �Asks� -- Please National Franchise Do not nationalize franchising. Do not co-sponsor any bill without checking at home.

19. The �Asks� -- Please Muni-Provisioning Protect local government�s ability to facilitate or offer advanced communications services to their citizens. Co-sponsor S.1294 to protect local government�s authority to offer these services. Oppose H.R.2726.

20. The �Asks� -- Please Public Safety Spectrum Move quickly to adopt a firm date for broadcasters to return digital television spectrum for use by local first responders.

21. The �Asks� --Please Any reform of the collection and administration of communications taxes must preserve local authority to collect revenue consistent with local needs and treat like services alike.

22. Be Wary of the �Deal� Congress wants to please everyone Outline of a proposed �deal� include: 5% Franchise Fee Right of Way Management PEG Capacity Must articulate why this �deal� is unacceptable.

23. Models of Successful Engagement Invite Members to tour facilities Town Hall Meetings Press Events Introductions to Compelling Community Leaders Build Alliances with like-minded advocates (Free Press, Common Cause, Alliance for Community Media, National Hispanic Media Coalition, etc.)

24. Q & A