Grassroots training should be an ongoing process, not one that is over when the trainer leaves. There are services a grassroots trainer should provide before, during and after your training so that you can maximize the benefits of the training. You should never accept “hit and run” or “off the shelf” training. However, that subject is another article!

You as a grassroots professional can enhance the long-term benefits of your training. Remember, the goal is not just increased knowledge, but improved performance via increased legislative, civic, and political activism.

Traditionally, with the “hit and run” training approach, trainees are not adequately prepared for the new knowledge and skills and thus, there is not much behavioral change. You’ll get the desired results with a long-term process of staff preparation, participation and performance support.

Preparation

Several weeks before the training communicate to your participants the clear link between what they will learn and how it impacts your cause. But be careful—when we over-hype the benefits of faxes and e-mail communications, we send an inconsistent message.

If I as a grassroots volunteer am hearing that sending an e-mail or making a phone call is all I need to do to get my lawmaker’s attention, I probably won’t see the value in Key Contact training. (I believe this message is why groups across the country are seeing a downturn in the number of participants at their annual Lobby Day events)

Establish clear learning and performance objectives; tell them what they are expected to do differently after the training.

If it’s a relatively small training class, call each trainee to show that you value their participation. The great communicators make their messages as personal as possible!

Ideally, your CEO should make opening remarks at the training, and attend the session as long as possible. If the CEO is unavailable, ask the highest-ranking senior company leader available to kick off the training session. This makes an impact on your Key Contacts, as it demonstrates the importance of the grassroots program and its’ impact on the organization.

Participation

Encourage practice in the workshop. By “practice” I mean application learning activities. You can’t get fit by looking at the treadmill or weights; you have to use them. The same principle applies to any new communication skill, such as meeting with legislators. Your volunteers have to engage in the activity to build their capabilities. There are several communications exercises besides the tired “meeting with your legislator” role- play that build volunteer confidence and skills.

Make sure there are lots of opportunities for trainees to interact with each other during the training. A shared experience creates confidence and a team atmosphere.

Create opportunities for analysis and action plans. Training without this is a performance, not a true learning session.

Performance

Help your activists apply their new knowledge and skills by:

Providing clear accountability and incentives for improvement. In other words, they need to know, “What’s in it for me?”

Providing positive feedback and encouragement.

Creating forums/meetings/reunions for them to share tips and success stories; and,

Let them loose! Studies show that 70% of learning happens “on the job”, in this case, when they are meeting with legislators!

Ongoing Development and Measurement

I had someone say to me once that you “can’t measure the effect of training.” After I caught my breath, I gave him several suggestions. Training outcomes can be measured, but with the business of relationship development, (which is what good Key Contact training embodies) it is a long-term process.

Review their action plans and offer honest critiques. You can’t complain if you don’t tell them what’s expected.

Since the Key Contact training should be the start or enhancement of their activism, establish a coaching function to regularly assess and coach your volunteers to higher levels of advocacy in the district. Action plans, practice exercises, etc. are some projects I recommend and conduct for clients.

Get feedback from your lobbyist and legislators regarding your Key Contacts’ impact on your issues. There’s nothing quite as motivating as hearing from the customer (the legislators) regarding if and how your people are impacting the process.

Is this more work? YES! Is quality training more likely to produce empowered, REAL Key Contacts? Most definitely.