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© 2013 | G52
.... a strategy arising from the collaboration of informed community members and experienced professionals focused on presenting thoughtful policy alternatives to the right people, in the right form, at the right time.
Public Policy Advocacy and Government Relations
Government relations is a combination of education and advocacy.
It is essential to businesses subject to government regulations.
It is a process of educating business and industry leaders about how government works and educating government about issues important to business or other constituencies.
It is a process of educating elected officials, the public service, and the public, about the potential consequences of legislation.
Law has an impact on business, but business and other constituencies do not always comprehend the difficulties of running a country; and politicians do not always understand the complexities of running a business. Educating both about the potential effect legislation could have on business and individuals is an essential part of the law-making process.
Government relations professionals make the case for their client’s business in the public policy arena.
Advocacy involves:
- Understanding the facts, the law and the policy of the law
- Using them effectively
- Defining the issues – not letting one’s opponents define you or the issues
- Presenting clear and concise messaging
- Understanding opponents and their interests
- Using existing relationships to further community interests
- Developing relationships to move an issue forward
- Building third party allies to support the campaign – building coalitions
- Advancing grassroots advocacy
- Engaging the media, the public and the government engagement
- Understanding what a “win” is