Advocacy Summer Camp Session Two Wrap-up

From left: political consultant Kim Ross, Texas Impact intern Jenny Parker, legislative staffer Perla Cavazos,
lobbyist Curtis Fuelberg, State Representative Donna Howard, State Representative Eddie Rodriguez

Texas Impact continued this morning with Session 2 of Advocacy Summer Camp.  The lively panel discussion was “How to Develop Relationships with Legislators.”  No fear!  If you missed this session, there are still two more you can attend on August 4 and August 18, so save the dates.

The panelists this morning included Perla Cavazos, staffer to Senator Eddie Lucio, lobbyist Kim Ross, and State Representatives Donna Howard, Eddie Rodriguez, and Mark Strama.  Curtis Fuelberg served as moderator.  Throughout the discussion, a major theme presented itself; every legislator is different when it comes to ways to develop relationships with them individually. In the end, however, nothing beats a personal visit to your legislator as a reliable source of information.

There were many thought-provoking moments this morning and many laughable moments that kept the discussion entertaining and informative.  Representative Strama’s advice included working on campaigns to elect people who share your same values.  He also stressed the importance of talking with people who disagree with you.  First, he suggested, it is important to, “find something that you can agree on.  Try your best to understand their philosophy of government and then present your argument based on that.”  Believe it or not, there is some common ground we can find on all issues.

Representative Howard gave her ideas, but also reflected on the way she feels about carrying the responsibility of taking care of this great state. “When I walk in that chamber, I am awestruck,” she said.  “When I know I am going to vote about things that effect this entire state, I feel the awesomeness of that responsibility.”  

Representative Rodriguez discussed the importance of going through staffers as a way to cultivate relationships with legislators because he has tremendous trust in his staff.  Remembering his own staffer days, Representative Rodriguez stated, “When I was a staffer for Representative Maxey, I quickly realized I was the representative."  Representative Rodriguez went on to indicate that now, as the representative, he goes to his staff for advice and information.  There is an awesome responsibility for staffers as well and important strides can be made in speaking with them.

Kim Ross gave the most delightful discussion of relationship types with legislators.  His three categories were Organic, Homegrown, and Artificial Turf.  Organic are established before the legislator is ever a candidate.  Homegrown are established by working on campaigns, but are also built vicariously through the legislator’s staff.  Artificial Turf relationships are from those who don’t have the power of grassroots.  Organic are always the best type of relationships, but homegrown are most common.  Don’t settle for artificial turf.  

A special thanks goes out to the Honorable Eddie Rodriguez and his staff for helping set up this event; to the Baptist Christian Life Commission and People for the American Way for partnering with Texas Impact on Advocacy Summer Camp; to Miss Poodle’s Cookies and It’s a Grind Coffeehouse for the wonderful pastries and coffee; and to Texas Impact Resource Council members Judy Morgan, Ted Ziehe and Gaye Kopas for their assistance in planning and promoting the event.