News

When communicating with congressional offices, the most pressing question used to be: are email or postal messages more effective? While each has its advantages, congressional staff view them equally. The more important question is: are the messages personalized?

Managing high volumes of constituent calls is a challenge for many congressional offices, but the office of Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) is taking matters into its own hands to help New Mexicans get their answer when they first call the office.

As Hollywood prepares for the Oscars, Congress is gearing up to compete for a different prize: the Gold Mouse Awards. They are awarded to the Members of Congress who best use the Internet to more effectively communicate with and serve citizens. Preparations have already begun for the evaluations to start this summer!

I just got done reading an amazing book about creating change in society, "Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard," by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. This morning, as I heard the stories of the winners of the Public Affairs Council's Grassroots Innovation Awards, I realized that these innovators used some of the same strategies that the authors urged.

Survey Finds Internet Increased Accountability in Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new survey of congressional staff says they believe constituents have far more influence on undecided lawmakers than lobbyists. When asked about various groups and strategies that influence their Member of Congress, 46% said that “in-person constituent visits” would have “a lot” of influence, compared to 8% which said the same of a “lobbyist visit.” Staff also believe the Internet has increased the accountability of Members of Congress to constituents. A majority (57%) believe the Internet has made Members more accountable, and 87% believe it has made it “easier for constituents to become involved in the public policy process.”

Today, CMF and the Partnership released a new survey of congressional staff which reveals that they believe constituents have far more influence on undecided lawmakers than lobbyists. If you listen to the media, the pundits, or the general public, however, you might think lobbyists are at the top of the heap. But our research shows this is not the case.

Report by Nonprofit Assesses How Internet Has Affected Accountability in Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new survey of congressional staff will be released on Wednesday, January 26, 11:00 am (EDT) gauging Capitol Hill opinion of various influences on lawmakers’ decisions, the impact of the Internet on the Congress and public policy, and how Congress views and uses social media.