The Tennessee Court Reporters Association, in conjunction with NCRA’s Government Relations Department, hosted approximately 30 members for a one-day, mini Legislative Boot Camp. Throughout the day, sessions were led by NCRA’s outside Legislative Counsel Dave Wenhold and NCRA Senior Government Relations Specialist Adam Finkel on the basics of politics, grassroots lobbying, and communications tips and techniques, with an intense focus on the issue of third-party contracting. At the conclusion of the day, the attendees were put through mock meetings where they were required to put their newly learned lobbying techniques to the test by meeting with individuals playing the roles of various key players.
TCRA President Sheila Wilson explained, “As affiliates struggle to address legislative issues in our individual states, we are extremely fortunate to have NCRA’s Government Relations at the helm, standing ready and willing to provide assistance. Their thorough understanding of the intricacies of the inner workings of government helps us grasp how the pieces of the puzzle fit together and arms us with the tools necessary to bring about positive change.”
“I would really, really recommend that every state association have NCRA put a ‘Boot Camp’ on for their association,” said TCRA President-Elect Jim Beres. “You’ll be amazed at what you will learn and then be able to accomplish.”
NCRA’s Government Relations Department stands ready and willing to assist affiliate associations in the challenges faced by court reporters today. If you have any questions, please contact govrelations@ncra.org.
