Communications Management
Featured Report
BUILDING TRUST BY MODERNIZING CONSTITUENT ENGAGEMENT
This report is designed to help new and veteran offices better understand why and how to create a Constituent Engagement Strategy that goes beyond responding to incoming mail. The brief provides insight into and guidance on: the importance of building constituent trust in Members, Congress, and democracy; CMF's 10 principles for robust citizen engagement; how to create a Strategic Constituent Engagement Plan that serves Member goals and constituent needs; and how to streamline reactive communications, which will always represent the bulk an office's constituent engagement. Read more
Featured Resources
Office Toolkit on Improving Mail Operations
In many offices, managing and responding to constituent correspondence represents 50% of office resources. Moreover, the workflow and communications practices, while utilizing modern technology, have largely remained unchanged for 40 years. This section of our "Office Toolkit" offers up ideas for offices to consider in tackling this communications challenge, focused on "Handling Volume" and "Writing." The goals are to help offices: reduce overall workload; increase trust and satisfaction among constituents; and make your boss happier with the office mail operation. Read more
Featured project
Communicating with Congress
The Internet spawned an explosion of electronic messages and forever changed how citizens and Members of Congress interact. The goal of this project is to reduce the challenges and frustration felt by both sides, facilitate increased citizen participation in the public policy process, and promote a meaningful democratic dialogue that benefits our country. Read More
5 Core Elements of a Successful Mail Program 5 core elements your mail operation should follow to be successful.
Common Office Objections to Technology Answers to some common objections to technology, including answering email with email and upgrading your website.
Make Technology Work for You 9 tips on how to maximize the benefits from constituent correspondence while minimizing the time devoted to it.
Strategies to Get Email Out Faster and More Effectively A short summary of 7 strategies to improving email systems in congressional offices.
Mail Management Key components and guidelines for creating and operating an effective and efficient constituent correspondence system.
Model Mail System FAQs Frequently asked questions about the CMF Model Mail System.
Dealing with Backlogged Mail in Congressional Offices 7 recommendations for responding to backlogged mail.
Dealing with a High Volume of Incoming Communications CMF's recommendations for dramatic spikes of constituent communication.
Website Management & Development
Gold Mouse Awards Project
With an estimated 87% of American adults online, Members of Congress should have good websites that effectively communicate with and serve citizens. Since 1998, we have assessed the quality of congressional sites to identify best and innovative practices that can be more widely adopted by House and Senate offices. Read More
