Government Relations: It’s Not Rocket Science

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In the 1939 classic movie, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" Jimmy Stewart plays newly appointed Senator Jefferson Smith, an idealist who isn't afraid to stand up and speak out against a "pork barrel" project to build a dam that will flood the proposed location for a national Boys Camp. After a lengthy filibuster and timely assistance from the "Boy Rangers" the forces of evil are vanquished and Senator Smith and his boys get their camp. Times may have changed since 1939, but the ability of good to triumph over evil in legislative battles has not, especially when the good guys have children on their side.

Many people in the early childhood education field are afraid of government relations work, intimidated by politicians, and believe the whole process is unseemly. They should not be afraid. Government relations is not rocket science. It relies on skills early care and education providers already have and ...