The Congressional Management Foundation and the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown bring together their combined 70 years of experience to offer a joint program on "Legislative Operations for Congressional Staff." This two-day course is designed for current legislative staff who want to deepen their skill sets or move into management, and interns looking for a permanent Hill job. Below we answer the frequently asked questions we receive about this program. If you have additional questions not addressed below, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
- What will I learn?
- How is this class different from other programs offered to the Hill?
- Who should attend?
- When will the classes be held?
- Where will the classes be held?
- Who is teaching the modules?
- Is it permissible for congressional staff to attend under the various rules which guide our work?
- Can I earn college credits?
- How do I register?
- Is there a cost to participate?
- Why should I pay for a class when I can attend so many presentations for free?
- Can my office use its House MRA/Senator's Account to pay for it?
- When is the deadline for registration?
What will I learn?
There are eight separate modules that will give you specific training on how to: develop floor vote recommendations; write briefing memos; submit an appropriations request; understand the Rules Committee; create a highly effective constituent correspondence system; manage other staff and interns; staff your Member in committee; work with federal agency liaison offices; and interact with advocacy groups.
For a detailed agenda on what content will be covered each day, please review the course syllabus: GAI Sample Syllabus
How is this class different from other programs offered to the Hill?
This is an intensive, two-day training session that focuses exclusively on how to perform effectively as a legislative correspondent, legislative assistant, or legislative director. The individual modules each take a specific task (e.g., mail management, staffing your Member in meetings, working with the Executive Branch) and break it down to its component parts. This is the only training offering in Washington with this level of detail on the different aspects of legislative work.
Who should attend?
Anyone who wants to learn the specific skills needed to be a legislative staffer; any current legislative staff who wants to deepen their knowledge or move into management; interns who are looking for a permanent position on Capitol Hill. Chiefs of Staff and Legislative Directors who want to drastically reduce the amount of time they spend onboarding new employees should send their staff to this two-day program.
When will the classes be held?
CMF and GAI host this program twice a year, usually in the Winter/Spring (March-April) and the Fall (September-October).
Where will the classes be held?
IThe Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies at 640 Massachusetts Ave NW. The location is convenient to Gallery Place/Chinatown, Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center, and Metro Center metro stations, as well as mutliple parking garages. Beginning in 2020, the classes are held virtually.
Who is teaching the modules?
The Congressional Management Foundation and the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown are teaming up to conduct these courses. Many of the faculty are former Hill Chiefs of Staff and legislative staffers and all of them have extensive experience in the daily operations of congressional offices. You may find some of their bios on the CMF Staff page.
Is it permissible for congressional staff to attend under the various rules which guide our work?
Yes. This type of professional development is allowed as part of your work. Staff do not need to take leave or vacation time to attend.
Can I earn college credits?
Not at this time.
How do I register?
Go to gai.georgetown.edu/congressionalstaffcourse.
Is there a cost to participate?
The cost for both days is $980. Congressional offices may pay for the training using official funds.
Why should I pay for a class when I can attend so many presentations for free?
There is no other place where you can get this training designed specifically for legislative staff that encompasses such a tremendous breadth of subject matter. In two days, you will gain a comprehensive collection of all the skills you need to be an effective legislative correspondent, legislative assistant, or legislative director taught by people who have held these jobs.
Can my office use its House MRA/Senator's Account to pay for it?
Yes, we have confirmed with the Committee on House Administration and the Senate Rules and Administration Committee the use office funds for this purpose.
When is the deadline for registration?
The deadline for registering is two weeks prior to the first day of the course.
