American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Leadership Training in Government Relations Program

Indiana Section members meet with Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN) (second from right) in his Capitol Hill office.

Every spring, ASCE hosts a Government Relations Leadership Training Program in Washington, D.C. This intensive two-day program provides participants with an inside look at the political process, beginning with briefings on the latest civil engineering issues pending in Congress. Participants then head to Capitol Hill to educate their Representatives and Senators on the issues. Anyone interested in walking the halls of Capitol Hill and learning first hand how policy is crafted would benefit from this program.

The 2008 Leadership Training in Government Relations Program was held March 5-6 at the Madison Hotel and on Capitol Hill.

Oregon Section members Tova Pelz, A.M.ASCE, (center) and Scott Schlechter, A.M.ASCE, (right) discuss infrastructure issues with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) at Thursday morning breakfast on Capitol Hill. Rep. Blumenauer was presented with a plaque designating him as an Honorary Fellow of ASCE.

Nearly 150 ASCE members participated in the 2008 Program. After a morning educational session to learn about civil engineering and infrastructure issues being considered by congress, attendees visited over 225 congressional offices to lobby lawmakers in support of these issues.

At the March 6th Breakfast on Capitol Hill, ASCE President David Mongan, P.E., F.ASCE, presented Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) with a plaque designating him as an Honorary Fellow of ASCE. Rep. Blumenauer has been a strong supporter of infrastructure renewal, particularly transportation and water systems.

There are no registration fees to attend the program - the only cost to attend is travel expenses. A limited number of travel stipends are available.

Information on the 2009 Program will be available Fall 2008.

For additional information contact:

ASCE's Government Relations Department
101 Constitution Avenue, NW
Suite 375 East
Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: 202-789-7850
Fax: 202-789-7859
govwash@asce.org
http://www.asce.org/govrel