Whichever your primary motivation, it’s important to realize that your ability to influence policy debate and the laws that are created depends directly upon your participation in the process. As with any segment of your business, you must work to develop relationships with key decision-makers. 

Relationships give your organization a personality. When lawmakers know who you are, and when you operate with a high degree of integrity you will soon build a positive reputation based on trust. This is the long-term objective of a government affairs program that contributes to your organization's mission.

So, how is a government affairs program implemented, effectively and responsibly?

Broadly speaking, it involves developing and implementing a strategic, pro-active plan for managing the consequences or impact that government will have on your organization.

This plan may include a broad array of specific tactics: issue tracking, lobbying, grassroots or outreach campaigns, etc. The organization’s own goals will determine which tactics are to be used and how those tactics can be best implemented. The key to success lies in the ability of the organization to create and execute the plan, and to harness its natural political assets, i.e., reputation, products or services, employees, community involvement, etc.

At Jefferson FifthCo, we work directly with your management team to help you identify your problems and opportunities in your industry and in the public sector … and to select, manage and implement the tools that can enable you to respond to those conditions in ways that will benefit your organization in both the short and long term.