Starting a State Government Relations Program

The importance of choosing a person within the section (a "champion") to lead the program is stressed, and the help available from ASCE headquarters in setting up a program is described. A mission statement can help a section focus its efforts. The ways in which ASCE sections can build relationships with their state legislators are summarized, with attention also given to increasing the number of engineers in policy-making positions. The importance of joining coalitions is emphasized, and advice is offered on hiring a lobbyist. The resources available through ASCE's State Public Affairs Grants program are described.