|
SPA summer institute introduces students to art of lobbying
BY ADRIENNE FRANK
Summer school can be a drag, but senior Diana Feitl was more than happy to give up part of her vacation to attend the Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute: The Art and Craft of Lobbying.
Feitl, a senior in the School of Public Affairs (SPA), was one of 18 people—mostly upperclassmen and graduate students—who participated in the intensive workshop, sponsored by the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies (CCPS).
“I believe that working in groups and creating an extensive advocacy plan within two weeks and presenting taught me more than sitting in a classroom for a semester,” said Feitl, who plans to attend law school. “I gained so much from the experience.”
From May 14 to 26, the students were immersed in the strategies, tactics, regulations, and ethics of those who advocate public policy options to elected officials. Each day featured an impressive lineup of academics, professional lobbyists, public officials, and journalists, who spoke about everything from grassroots lobbying to coalition building.
Michael Barnard, a graduate student in SPA’s applied politics program, said this institute as well as the Campaign Management Institute, and the European Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute—“are the main reason I’m at American.”
“In addition to academic work in political science, the program has these institutes, which allow me to study politics from those who have defined the practice,” said Barnard. “It’s unique in that I’m learning theoretical political science, as well as how to put that to work in the real world.”
Barnard, who hopes to pursue a career on the Hill upon graduation in December, said he came out of the institute “motivated and excited about my future in the business.”
In May, CCPS also hosted the Campaign Management Institute, which helps train individuals for participation in local, state, and federal political campaigns.
|
