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Congrats! You’ve just been elected to what will hopefully be a rewarding, fulfilling career as a public servant. But it’ll also be a wild ride. NCSL, an organization you can count on for bipartisan research and information, is here to make sure you have the information you need to get a leg up. Don’t miss these virtual orientation events that are laser-focused on the skills you’ll need as a new legislator.

All sessions are less than an hour and free of charge.

These programs are for legislators and legislative staff only.

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Navigating Media and Social Media as a Legislator

This session prepares members for the media blitz they might encounter and helps you bulk up your social media muscle. We’ll highlight practical tips and sound advice for legislators new to the spotlight.

Speaker: Mick Bullock, NCSL

  • Watch Recording

 

The Art of Legislative Negotiation

Traditional business and legal negotiation practices have centered on an oppositional, zero-sum game approach that seeks clear winners and losers. But negotiation in the legislative realm is different in many ways, with multiple stakeholders, complex interests and both policy and political considerations to balance. In this workshop, legislators will learn to identify their primary interests, and the interests of their negotiating partner, develop creative options to circumvent roadblocks, preserve relationships with their negotiating partners for future interactions and more. The goal of this training is to develop the skills and creativity necessary to engage in successful negotiation practices that produce more optimal outcomes.

Speaker: Curt Stedron, NCSL

  • Watch Recording

 

How to Be an Effective Legislator

This effective legislator training highlights the most important points legislators need to know going into their first session. Seasoned legislators will provide real-life examples of why these tips are imperative for legislators to master.

Moderator:

  • Angela Andrews, NCSL

Panelists:

  • Former Rep. Jim Steineke, Wisconsin
  • Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, New Jersey
  • Speaker Scott Saiki, Hawaii
  • Former Sen. Anitere Flores, Florida
  • Watch Recording

 

Working With Lobbyists

Lobbying is an integral part of legislative life. Legislators and staff need good information and expertise now more than ever. Lobbyists and the public want to get their priorities front and center but must build credibility in a changing legislative landscape. So, what do legislators need to know to get the soundest information to make the best decisions in the relationship-based world of the legislature?

Moderator:

  • Natalie Wood, NCSL

Speakers:

  • Angela Williams, senior director external affairs, government affairs, Stride
  • Dave Christman, vice president, state affairs, National Beer Wholesalers Association
  • Senator Cheryl Kagan, Maryland
  • Senator W. Briggs Hopson III, Mississippi
  • Watch Recording

 

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