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Thomas Jefferson once said, "We do not have a government of a majority; we have a government of the majority to participate." Bradford Fitch, head of The Congressional Management Foundation -- a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting a more effective Congress -- and author of the "Citizen's Handbook to Influencing Elected Officials" tells us how to get involved in order to influence our government:

Fitch, who worked on Capitol Hill for 13 years as press secretary, legislative director, and chief of staff for four different members of Congress, interviewed dozens of Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and key staff to provide a comprehensive guide to getting members of Congress to listen -- and act.

And according to these consummate Washington insiders, the real power in Washington is neither in huge campaign donations, nor in high-pressure special interest campaigns. Rather, the power rests with the well-informed, well-prepared, polite but persuasive constituent. Yes, ordinary citizens can gain access, be heard, and see their input influence the way a member of Congress votes.

Some of the key points in the book include:

** It's much easier to influence a decision before the Member makes a public commitment.

** Provide useful information, and you'll be rewarded with access: "The most valuable gift a lobbyist gives a member of Congress isn't a campaign contribution --it's a detailed analysis of how a particular issue affects the lawmaker's district or state."

** When you speak for a larger group, your words carry more weight: "One House Democrat...summed it up. 'Their money is beside the point. They can mobilize and intensify a group of motivated constituents who can put the fear of God in members of Congress." But preparedness can outweigh numbers.

When reading that last point, the Tea Party certainly comes to mind. They've done a pretty darn good job of organizing their followers to put the fear of God in many a Republican office up on Capitol Hill!

The book includes several success tips checklists, including ten points to manage a face-to-face meeting, seven hints to get written communications noticed, and six things staffers look for in a phone call. A matrix chart of how legislators rank different issues is one of eight useful appendices.

Watch Brad Fitch discuss the book on C-Span Video, November 26, 2010. He also responds to telephone calls and electronic communications.

View more information on this book at TheCapitol.net publications page.

And most importantly, BUY THIS BOOK!

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