Aspen Policy Academy

The Aspen Policy Academy is pleased to release a new report, Getting Through To Governments: A Civic Engagement Guide for Action. Every member of the public can play a role in the democratic process. Whether it’s by speaking up about problems, advocating for policymakers to make positive change, or contributing to solutions themselves, there are multiple avenues to have an impact on the decisions governments make.

For many, taking those first steps to engage policymakers in their communities is an opaque process. In this report, the Policy Academy offers a guide for bridging that gap. This report is meant as a guide for anyone — regardless of professional background or personal experience — to begin the process of making sure their government officials not only know the concerns they’re facing day to day, but are also equipped with solutions that are informed by the people most impacted by them.

Through stories and advice collected from a bipartisan and geographically varied group of former policymakers, former government staffers, and experienced advocates, this report offers readers concrete tips for how to effectively advocate to government officials. Key tips include:

• Sharing stories about how big-picture policy issues are affecting you;
• Connecting with policymakers at a personal level; and
• Speaking up to show both support and opposition, since policymakers believe low engagement in the process means low investment in the outcome.

You can view the full report here. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about the report or its recommendations, contact us here.