Texas A&M UniversityLegislative Relations

Presented by:

Logan Nichols Alex Dover

Kate Putman Marshall Bowen

COSGA 2010 Workshop

Mission Statement

The Legislative Relations Commission exists to effectively communicate the

needs of Texas A&M University students to elected officials and policymakers on every governmental level. Through an

emphasis on personal, professional, and team development, LR is committed to

serving students with integrity and excellence

Lobbying Basics

• Set Your Agenda– Identify 3-5 key issues– Identify your resources (Administration,

Alumni, on-campus Student Groups)– Work with your Student Senate to get

feedback– Do’s and Don’ts

Research

• Research Briefs– Putting together briefs– Components of a good research packet– What to do during an off year– Examples on www.lr.tamu.edu

Research Briefs

Lobbying Basics

• Preparation Before Meetings– Talking Points– Schedule Meetings

• Identify key members and committees

– Gather Member Bios– Student Lobbying Profiles

Lobbying Basics

• Student Lobbying Teams– 2-3 Members per meeting– Delegate talking points– Be Flexible!– Thank you notes and follow-up contact and

information

Lobbying Basics

• Testifying at Hearings– Arranging hearings– What to say and how to say it– 1-2 students testify – Other students may be present and can

show support by filling out testimony cards

Lobbying Basics

• Build Coalitions Between Schools– Texas Student Association– Orange and Maroon Legislative Day– Texas Summit on Higher Education– Issue Based Coalitions

• Engaging the Student Body– Bring staffers and legislators to campus– Online legislative tracking systems– Lobbying workshops– Student issues forums– Hosting candidate meet and greets

What works for you?

Lobbying Basics

Communication

• How to Use the Media– Newsletters– Editorial Opinions– Letters to Editors– Maintain relationship with student

newspaper– Update website regularly

TAMU LR Website

2010 Summit on Higher Education

• April 9-10, 2010

• Designed to be an opportunity for student leaders and professionals to come together and foster thought and action with issues in the upcoming Legislative Session.

Contact

• LR Director Logan Nichols

• www.lr.tamu.edu

• lr.tamu@gmail.com