For immediate release Contact: Ed Barks
Tuesday, December 13, 2011 (540) 955-0600
What is a Washington, D.C., fly-in? How does it help association executives and other organizations to achieve their public policy objectives? Those questions and more now have definitive answers thanks to Barks Communications President Ed Barks.
He authored the entry that explains how grassroots advocates can conduct Capitol Hill visits for Associapedia, an online information source of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
“As important as the legislative arena is to any organization, Associapedia contained no information about how to organize, conduct, and assess a Washington fly-in,” Barks noted. “I’m pleased to contribute to the knowledge base of association executives. Of course, these principles also apply to corporations and non-profit groups, too.”
In the new entry, “Organizing Your Next Washington, D.C., Fly-in,” Barks explains the benefits of organizing fly-ins for grassroots advocates, how to prepare for climbing the Hill, the protocols of visiting a member of Congress, and the value of building long-term relationships with elected representatives and their staffs.
He writes, “Congress holds the keys to success for many an association. And Capitol Hill visits represent a powerful means of attaining an association’s public policy goals.”
“An association’s government relations experts should organize a training session to get its members on the same page,” he recommends in the new entry, while outlining some specific agenda items to include.
“Advocates must be prepared to deliver that message cogently and consistently, even in a sometimes intimidating and harried environment,” the Associapedia account continues. “Visiting Capitol Hill is akin to being at the airport. It is best to arrive early, expect last minute changes and delays, and be of good cheer.”
Ed Barks works with executives who want to ensure their media training efforts result in long-term business success, and with subject matter experts who want to enhance their career paths. The former radio broadcaster is the author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations. As President of Barks Communications since 1997, he has taught more than 3900 business leaders, association executives, government officials, athletes, entertainers, non-profit executives, and public relations staff how to succeed when they deal with the media, deliver presentations, and testify before government officials.
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