News

One of the most important roles for new Members of Congress is to build connect with their constituents. Yet engaging with more than 700,000 people in a House district and millions in a state is a daunting challenge requiring Members of Congress to be resourceful, strategic, and innovative. Join CMF and a distinguished panel of experts for a webinar on Monday, February 22, as we walk you through the various tools available and how best to use them - telephone town halls, online town halls, and social media. Watch the recording >

A CMF survey of freshmen congressional staff in the 116th Congress found that the most difficult task in setting up the office was "setting up a scheduling operation." We encourage/strongly implore all freshman offices to send at least ONE representative to this session where you'll gain insights NOT presented in any other training or venue. Presenters include two seasoned congressional schedulers offering valuable guidance on how to avoid major mishaps. Watch the recording >>

This January 29 webinar is designed for all those associated with setting up and running a freshman office in the House or Senate. The program will include congressional staff hiring guidance CMF has collected during its 43 years of service to the Congress, and will feature experts on the value and strategies of hiring a diverse staff. Watch a recording of the webinar here.

Without warning, your staffer picks up her phone to hear these chilling words: "We're coming for the congresswoman, her family, you, your family ... and we know where you live!" Before the staffer can hang up, the caller has cursed at her several times.

She's in her own at home, answering calls routed to her personal cell phone because she's on call to respond to the public. Her phone has been ringing for hours. This scene has played out countless times in the congressional community since the siege on Jan. 6. That's why we are urging all congressional offices to change procedures immediately to protect the mental health of your employees.

This webinar, hosted by CMF and SHRM as part of the "Life in Congress project," featured former Rep. Brian Baird, a clinical psychologist, and former staffer Nicole Tisdale who offered strategies for managers and staff to manage their response to trauma following the breach of the Capitol on January 6. Watch the recording and download the slides >>>

Like many who view themselves as congressional institutionalists, we at CMF are reeling today, as we know House and Senate Members and staff are. The halls of the Capitol are more than just a symbol of democracy, they are a workplace where democracy is implemented every day by hard-working, dedicated public servants. We see you, and our hearts are heavy for you today.

The Congressional Management Foundation is thrilled the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress will continue through the 117th Congress!