Bryce Harlow Foundation: Foundation Activities

Advocacy Forums & Workshops

Forum Basics

During a typical Bryce Harlow Advocacy Forum, prominent government relations professionals from major corporations, trade associations, and lobbying firms share their expertise and experiences with students in order to foster meaningful dialogue about the true nature of lobbying and its particular importance in the nation's capital. Representatives discuss their roles in the legislative process, how the lobbyist profession has changed over the years, and the high professional standards of integrity that are central to lobbying. Since stereotypes and misconceptions about lobbying certainly exist, Bryce Harlow Advocacy Forums provide an excellent opportunity for students to ask the tough questions about lobbying and receive first-hand information.

Presenters at Bryce Harlow Advocacy Forums are members of our board and their colleagues in Washington, DC. They have exceptional backgrounds in both the public and private sectors. Because they are working on pivotal issues, they are a tremendous resource for students of public policy, law, political science, and other related courses. Generally, one or two speakers participate in the 60-90 minute forum, depending upon the size of the audience. There is no cost to the school; the Bryce Harlow Foundation pays all costs associated with the visit.

The Foundation seeks professionals who practice lobbying with distinction to add to its "faculty." Preparing is not difficult; the Foundation supplies an outline that is easily modified into a dynamic, personalized presentation. Take a look at a sample presentation and consider presenting at a future Bryce Harlow Advocacy Forum.

List of Selected Presentations

For the Classroom Lobbyist

If you are a professional lobbyist, consider participating in one of the Foundation's popular Bryce Harlow Advocacy Forums. Professional lobbyists who participate in the forums tell their story as professional advocates to students. We have found that lobbyists — like you — welcome the opportunity to make a difference — one class at a time — in students and teachers' perceptions of the important role lobbying plays in the development of sound public policy.

For the Classroom Professor

Students in the nation's capital are lucky to have access to people involved in the policy making process to help them understand how Washington works. The Bryce Harlow Foundation sponsors advocacy forums at local universities in order to increase both graduate and undergraduate students' knowledge of advocacy and lobbying through a discussion session with Capitol Hill lobbyists.

A study of public policy making in Washington would not be complete without a discussion of the role played by professional advocates. Contact us to schedule an Advocacy Forum or to receive more information.

Special Workshops and Seminars

The Foundation promotes and sometimes co-sponsors workshops and seminars aimed at helping government relations professionals understand new laws and regulations that affect the practice of lobbying. In addition, the Foundation will occasionally host a seminar designed to bring professionals up to date with the latest developments or best practices in the advocacy field.

Click here for more on educational activities related to the lobbying profession.