CD SERIES
HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE LEGISLATOR
General Description
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is making legislator training a top priority. With high turnover among legislators and with the adoption of term limits in numerous states, the need for training new legislators is critical. However, with limited money available for travel and meetings, legislatures must look to low cost ways of bringing legislators "up to speed."
NCSL is addressing this need through a series of compact disks (CDs) to help train new legislators so they can become more effective members. We heard from many legislators and staff that CDs give legislators flexibility to choose the time they will use for education and training. Using experts from around the country, we have produced CDs for legislators on the following topics:
- Mastering the legislative process
- Managing the budget
- Dealing with the media
- Chairing a committee
- Building consensus (available only on audiotape)
- Serving your constituents
- Working with staff and lobbyists
- Mastering the rules
These CDs are also available on audiotapes.
CD 1: How to be an Effective Legislator--Mastering the Legislative Process (Item #7149)
This CD provides an overview of the legislative process and describes key legislative skills, with advice on:
- Legislative procedure
- Passing your bill
- Using legislative staff and resources
- Interpersonal skills
- Dealing with lobbyists
- Helping constituents
- The relationship between the executive and legislative branches
CD 2: How to be an Effective Legislator--Managing the Budget (Item #7150)
This CD provides answers to questions about state finances and budgets. You'll fully understand the roles the legislative and executive branches play in developing a budget, typical revenue sources for states and the skills a legislator needs to develop to influence the budget process. Hear from legislative budget experts about:
- Budget analysis and development
- Major expenditure areas
- Revenue forecasts
- Capital budgets
CD 3: How to be an Effective Legislator--Dealing with the Media (Item #7151)
- A noted media consultant gives you advice on:
- Honing your media message
- Working with editors and writers
- Giving a press conference
- Handling news shows and panel discussions
- Getting media coverage
- Handling a media crisis
- Planning for an interview
CD 4: How to be an Effective Legislator--Chairing a Committee (Item #7168)
This CD describes how to chair a legislative committee, with experts giving you advice on:
- Keeping the committee productive
- Planning ahead
- Running an effective meeting
- Handling "problem" witnesses or members
- Working with leaders and committee members
- Speaking for your committee
- Getting the most out of staff
Audiotape 5: How to be an Effective Legislator--Building Consensus (Item #7181)
(Available only on audiotape)
This audiotape analyzes how to resolve conflicts and build consensus in the legislature, with advice from the experts on:
- Recognizing common legislative conflicts
- Building trust
- Working out differences
- Finding out the interests
- Educating the group
- Learning persuasion skills
CD 6: How to be an Effective Legislator--Serving Your Constituents (Item #7182)
This CD analyzes how to serve constituents, with advice from the experts on:
- Handling constituent calls
- Educating constituents and anticipating their needs
- Deciding what to pursue yourself and what you refer to others
- Understanding the ethical considerations, basic principles and best practices
- Working with agency officials and staff on behalf of a constituent
- Reaching constituents with the new electronic communication technology
CD 7: How to be an Effective Legislator--Working with Staff and Lobbyists (Item #7190)
This CD analyzes how to work with staff and lobbyists, with advice from experts on:
- Hiring and motivating staff
- Setting up procedures so the work gets done
- Learning the ethical boundaries with lobbyists
- Questioning a lobbyist to get the full picture
- Getting information when you need it and how you like it
- Learning who to trust
CD 8: How to be an Effective Legislator--Mastering the Rules (Item #7193)
This CD analyzes how to learn the legislative rules, with advice from the experts on:
- Learning the principles behind the rules
- Finding the right staff and colleagues to help you
- Using the rules with courtesy and respect
- Developing scripts to help you make motions
- Prioritizing to determine which rules to learn first
- Learning committee and floor procedures
To order one or more of these CDs or audiotapes (at no cost to legislators or staff), please call NCSL at 303-364-7812 or e-mail us at books@ncsl.org
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