Professional Path for Legislators

Whether you are a lawmaker or legislative staffer, you have specific professional development interests. The professional paths are designed specifically with you in mind. (Dates and times are tentative.)

How to Run a Great Constituent Meeting
Do you dread constituent meetings, sensing that someone will confront or harangue you? Explore new ways to run these meetings that put the focus on your constituents and let them participate and express their ideas fully, while you concentrate on listening and learning. Thursday, August 9 at 10:15 a.m.

Transitioning from Campaigning to Governing
Do you sometimes feel you have a split personality, one designed for raising money and campaigning, and another designed for lawmaking and mastering the legislative process? This session will help you make a smooth transition from campaigner to lawmaker while staying true to your values, beliefs and constituents' expectations. Wednesday, August 8 at 2:45 p.m.

The Art of Public Debate
Discover easy-to-use principles for effective public debate, from candidate forums to policymaking settings. Learn how to make your point and make it stick. Wednesday, August 8 at 1 p.m.

Twelve Tips for a More Powerful Speech
A successful speech depends as much on preparation as it does on delivery. The author of How to Write & Give a Speech goes over the critical steps it takes for you to connect with your audience. Tuesday, August 7 at 1:30 p.m.

Your Legislative District Through New Eyes
See the Census Bureau's new database that allows you to analyze your legislative district through the prism of Census Bureau data. Learn how you can use this important new tool. Wednesday, August 8 at 2:45 p.m.

Demographic Trends That Change Your World
Join a noted demographer for a trip through time and data to understand how key demographic trends are reshaping America's economic, political and social makeup and what those trends mean for policy in your state. Wednesday, August 8 at 1 p.m.

Legislative Ethics
Review state efforts on ethics reform in the aftermath of state and federal scandals. Find out what works for state legislatures. Thursday, August 9 at 10:15 a.m.

New Ways to Communicate With Constituents
Learn how legislatures are using innovative ways to reach the public and enhance their experiences when participating in the legislative process. Tuesday, August 7 at 1:30 p.m.

The Media: Out With the Old, in With the New?
Newspaper readership is declining while web traffic on news sites continues to rise. Statehouses are even fielding requests from bloggers for press credentials. Are state legislatures prepared to communicate with the public in this new era? Wednesday, August 8 at 2:45 p.m.

Want to Please Taxpayers? Want to Save Them Money and Time?
State legislators are constantly looking at ways to save money without cutting corners in providing services. Discover the many benefits of program evaluation and sunset review. Wednesday, August 8 at 2:45 p.m.