ACHIEVING LEGISLATIVE SUCCESS: A Summit Approach to Collaboration

     "If you come to us with one voice, you'll get what you need."
-A member of Congress during the 2005
Congressional Fire Services Institute dinner in Washington, DC

Rivalry among EMS, fire and the other emergency services can affect our profession in many ways. It can make us stronger and better, reinforce our commitment to service and inspire us to take our education to higher levels. It can also deprive us of government funds, improved oversight, specialized training programs, enhanced benefits and new laws that advance our services and protect us from harm. It can prevent us from receiving the degree of respect from our civic leaders that we so richly deserve.

     When it comes to petitioning elected officials for support with an issue, the only way to succeed is to put aside differing viewpoints and individual grievances to come together in a solid, unified front to prove to law- and policy-makers that what you bring to their attention carries the weight of consensus and represents the voice of the collective. But how do you go about acquiring that unity when you see things so differently? Furthermore, in EMS, with all the groups out there, how do you ensure that none of them are going to petition their point of view behind your back? The answer is through honest, ongoing dialogue between groups that culminates in a legislative summit, bringing all the parties together to talk openly, collaborate, build consensus and establish an agreed-upon collection of legislative initiatives or positions that will be that year's legislative agenda. This agenda will become the foundation of a coordinated lobbying effort.

     A summit is a highest point, the topmost level attainable. As a conference of top officials, it differs from a committee or association meeting in that it represents the final step toward action on behalf of every constituent. There is no board of directors to receive recommendations-a summit is a decisive conference of organization leaders.

     The best time to host a legislative summit depends on whether the purpose is to address national, state or local concerns. For national and state issues, a summit should be held 4-6 months before the legislature convenes. Such lead time is critical for two reasons: First, enough time must be allowed for the legislative agenda to be drafted and reviewed by participating groups. Second, governors and legislators prepare, adjust and begin promoting their agendas well in advance of a bill or resolution being introduced. There is a great deal of process involved in legislative change; this includes language, policy and budget/funding implications, legal reviews, and constituent and affected-group comment. While some legislative items are proposed during a session, the most effective are prepared and vetted well in advance. Building a solid consensus before decisions are made will help ensure that the summit's agenda is presented and heard in a timely and professional manner. Time invested in preparing and establishing a solid foundation of support will build confidence in your cause among elected officials and provide ample time for lobbying. Local summits may require less lead time, but the focus on consensus-building and process is equally important.

Design & Structure

     The design and structure of a legislative summit will vary according to the issues to be addressed and the level of government to which lobbying efforts will be directed. Two key ingredients are a summit organizer and a neutral third-party moderator/facilitator. For the moderator, consider using a civic leader, former legislative aide or government agency representative. A lobbyist familiar with emergency services concerns, but not working for any participants or involved with the issues, could also be of assistance. The moderator's role is to provide an unbiased process for group decision-making. This person should not share personal viewpoints or attempt to influence the discussion. His/her role is strictly that of consensus-builder.