conclusion: moving forward

More than any other initiative CMF has undertaken in the past, the Communicating with Congress project, and specifically this capstone report, has required an astounding level of participation and collaboration from a broad and divergent list of both public and private organizations. Through this volume of input and collaboration, we have come to understand intimately the perspectives of all of the various stakeholders in the constituent communications equation.

It became clear early in the process that none of the key stakeholders were clinging to the current model of communications because they thought it was effective. Many even acknowledged that the current system was based on a communications paradigm of the past rather than the new, hi-tech communications environment of the 21^st Century. 

This report has identified all of the stakeholders involved in the constituent communications equation, explained the processes of each side, and identified the communications challenges the face, and puts forward commonsense recommendations to improve communication. Through detailed and rigorous analysis, this report has also put forth a new model of communication that will ease the tremendous administrative burden on everyone involved. Regrettably, the mere publishing of this report will not bring about the change that is necessary, however, and CMF alone cannot force the change required to shift the communications paradigm. In order for that transformation to occur, the stakeholders themselves must agree to change. 

A SOLUTIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE

After the publishing of this capstone report from the Communicating with Congress project, CMF envisions the creation of an implementation task force made up of key influencers in each stakeholder group: House and Senate Member offices, congressional CMS/CSS vendors, the institutional offices of Congress, citizens, grassroots organizations, and advocacy vendors. This task force would be responsible for developing a framework for vetting and developing a strategy to create the systems that would be necessary to implement a new model for constituent communications. We should be clear that even after the extensive vetting of the ideas, concepts, and recommendations contained in this report, it is not a perfect solution. The task force must take up this work product – viewing it as a starting point – and begin the discussions and negotiations necessary to bring about a new system that is mutually beneficial to everyone.

Given our status as an independent third party and our extensive work and research on this project, CMF has identified the key participants from each group and we are prepared to convene an initial meeting to begin the process of improving communication to and from Capitol Hill. The initial first task force meeting should be used to determine a structure for the group, how it will operate, as well as when and how often it will meet. Because this group would be comprised of the various decision-makers in each group, and given that there seems to be overwhelming consensus that the current processes are no longer adequate, CMF is hopeful that this can be the beginning of a new chapter in communications between citizens and Members of Congress. 

Those interested in participating in or following these next steps can view updated information about the process on the CMF Web site at www.cmfweb.org or by sending your contact information to cmf(at)cmfweb(dot)org.

While there is a history of animosity and mistrust between both sides of congressional communications, it is critical that everyone interested and invested in this process understands that all sides have the same goal: meaningful communications between the American citizenry and Capitol Hill. Each side’s definition may be slightly different, but with agreement on such a fundamental and important objective, CMF believes that a mutually agreeable and – more importantly – mutually beneficial solution is possible. 

Our American experiment is based on the premise of self-governance and an individual citizen’s right to participate in the public policy process, and that is what is at stake today. Collectively, we can either agree to work together to develop more effective solutions to address these new challenges, or we can continue on the current and unsustainable path. We believe that all of the stakeholders we have engaged throughout this process are ready to move forward and create a new solution that benefits both sides of the communications equation, and reflects the ideals on which our nation was founded. CMF stands ready to support that effort in any way possible. 

CwC: Recommendations for Improving the Democratic Dialogue

Read the full report: CWC_RecommendationsReport (3.5 MB)

• Overview
• Executive Summary
• Table of Contents
  
• Selected Figures

About the Communicating with Congress Project

• Project Overview – In 2001, CMF began work on this project to improve communications between citizens and Members of Congress.

• How Capitol Hill is Coping with the Surge in Citizen Advocacy – A report on congressional staffs' views of constituent communications based on focus groups, interviews, and surveys of 350 House and Senate Staff in 200 offices.

• Conference on Constituent Communications: Dispelling Myths and Discussing Solutions – A forum in which more than 200 experts and stakeholders from both sides came together to share perspectives and discuss possible solutions.

• How the Internet Has Changed Citizen Engagement – A report on citizens' views on communicating with Congress based on nationwide telephone and online surveys of citizens.

• Recommendations for Improving the Democratic Dialogue – This report is the culmination of CMF's nine years of research, outreach, and study, with recommendations for all stakeholders on how to improve communication between citizens and Congress.

• Navigating the Rising Tide of Grassroots Advocacy – CMF offers educational presentations for grassroots/advocacy organizations on the topic of how to effectively communicate with Congress.