Community Guide: Interviewing Elected Policy Makers
Kathleen Z. Russell, Pacific Lutheran University

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Instructions

Advocacy for social issues requires contact between members of society and legislators as well as other policy officials. To practice meeting and talking with policy makers, students will need to select an elected policy maker. If the class has completed the "Identifying Government Leaders" assignment, they may choose any official on the matrix with whom they can secure an appointment within the time frame for the class and the assignment. Though two students may conduct an interview together to economize on travel, time, and wear-and-tear on elected officials, each student must write an individual report on the interview.

Before the interview. Students will do on-line research to identify as much public information as possible about the leader they have chosen. Each student must make an appointment in advance with the official they selected. Please do this as quickly as possible, since it can take several weeks between the call and the date of the interview.

The interview. A good interview is always an exchange of information, so students should be prepared to comment on current political events or issues during their time with the policy-maker. Familiarity with his or her record of voting, support for issues, or importance case findings is essential. Each interview should cover these points:

• Background Information. Explore the birthplace, background, education, and interests of the policy-maker. Ask questions about their history of political involvement and its impact on their policy-making role.

• Record in Office. Know or ask about the bills or laws a policy-maker drafted or supported. If a justice has set precedent in the court, ask about it. Inquire about constituent groups, number of terms in office, committee responsibilities, and other leadership experiences the policy-maker has had.

• Current Policy Agenda or Judicial Interest. What position has your policy-maker taken in this legislative session? What goals or objectives does the policy-maker have for this term in office? What position have they taken on social issues of interest to you? Be prepared in case the policy-maker asks for YOUR opinion!

• YOUR Advocacy Interest. This interview is also an occasion upon which you may lobby for an issue of interest to you that bears upon this person's work in government. Be prepared with facts to offer, and a well thought out opinion of your own.

The paper. You will write a short paper, reporting upon your interview with your policy-maker. This paper should report upon the items above, and must also include your critical reflection upon the interview.

• What was your comfort level?

• Did anything surprise you, and if so, what? Why?

• What did you learn about the process of policy-making?

• Did the interview leave you with questions or insights? Please explain.

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