Build Relationships

The greatest level of trust is given to those with whom an office has built a relationship over time based on productive interactions.

2 Relationships are also important for a simpler reason: They increase the likelihood that you are on an office’s radar screen when advice is needed. There is no one recipe for establishing a relationship with a policymaker, although note that your closest relationships will likely be with staffers.

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Plug in via staffers

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You may be disappointed a Member of Congress does not have time to meet with you. Take the opportunity to meet with a staffer. The staffers we interviewed described carrying out many important tasks, ranging from recommending floor votes to drafting legislation to planning Congressional hearings.

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Focus on offices in your geographical area and/or those tackling subject matter closely linked to your area of expertise. Arrange a meeting or call and then follow up occasionally with relevant updates. Remember that relationships should be mutually beneficial. Do your best to gauge whether your communications are welcome and respond right away if an office has reached out to you for assistance. Finally, as one Member of Congress told us, don’t forget to be human. The best professional relationships are also authentic personal ones.

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Keep it local

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Policymakers we interviewed frequently said they tend to be more interested in working with experts who live in their home state or district. For example, two different Members of Congress described working to pass public health legislation after local doctors and scientists brought important health challenges to their offices’ attention.

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Practice Respect

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Practice Respect

Whether you are emailing an office for the first time or sitting down for an in-depth meeting, it is important to give your conversation partner the respect they deserve. While they are unlikely to share your expertise, you should assume that they are intelligent, accomplished in their field, and participating in good faith. Avoid expressing prejudice or stereotyping a person based on their age or group membership, including their political party or religious affiliation. Treat the communication as a dialogue. Leave room for questions and the possibility that your interlocutor may have their own goals for the conversation. When encountering reasonable criticism, counterarguments, or skepticism, respond in a measured way. Such interaction can be a sign that you are being taken seriously. Finally, express gratitude after the interaction; even if an office is unable to help you further, their time is valuable.

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Religion can be a trouble spot

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According to two Congressmembers interviewed, scientists who are openly dismissive of religion can undermine scientific trust among religious people. Avoid negative comments about religion that are not pertinent to the matter at hand. Scientists of faith can also be excellent ambassadors to religious communities.

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Planning Ahead

Communication Goals

Communication Content

Social Aspects of Communication

Communicating in a Political Context

Practicalities

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