User:Ceannmara/sandbox

Founded in 1977, the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit that uses research-based eduction and training to work with Members of the United States Congress and their staff to improve management practices and engagement with constituents.

Advisory Role to Congress
CMF works internally with Member offices, committees, leadership, and institutional offices in the House and Senate to foster improved management practices. From interns to Chiefs of Staff to Members themselves, CMF provides services adapted to the unique congressional environment, including:


 * Incoming House Member Orientation <
 * Management books and guidance, including Setting Course <, Keeping It Local for district and state offices, the Congressional Intern Handbook, the Life in Congress research series, and staff employment studies.
 * Customized management services, such as strategic planning, team-building, executive coaching, mail workshops and complete office assessments.
 * Staff training and professional development, including programs for senior managers, courses on writing constituent correspondence, webinars for district/state staff, and orientation programming for the aides of Members-elect.
 * Presentation to the panel of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress <

Engaging Citizens
CMF created the Partnership for a More Perfect Union < to help grassroots organizers at associations, nonprofits, and companies to educate their advocates and improve communication between citizens and Congress. Courses include:


 * "Build Relationships with Your Members of Congress and Why it's Important"
 * "What to Do Before, During and After Meeting with Your Members of Congress"
 * "Mine your Network for Connections to Congress"
 * "Tell Effective Stories That Influence Lawmakers' Decisions"
 * "Host Local Events to Engage Members of Congress"

Democracy Awards
CMF created its honors program, the Democracy Awards< < <, to highlight extraordinary public service in Congress, and provide examples of best practices for congressional offices to emulate. The categories are:


 * Constituent Service – Recognizes offices for their outstanding practices or achievements acting as ombudsmen with the federal government or responding to constituent requests/inquiries.
 * "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment – Recognizes offices that have established both formal policies and informal cultures that enhance the work-life fit and professional development of their staffs.
 * Transparency and Accountability – Recognizes offices that hold themselves accountable to their constituents by providing clear and relevant information on their work and performance and publicly acknowledge metrics for that performance.
 * Innovation and Modernization – Recognizes offices employing originality or creativity in their constituent interactions, communications, or office operations, as well as intentional efforts to modernize the institution of Congress.
 * Lifetime Achievement – Recognizes three individuals (two Members and one staffer) for their decades of service to Congress.