Strategic Consulting

What is Strategic Consulting?

Simply put, legislative advocacy can be described as efforts to influence the introduction, enactment and/or modification of legislation. Generally, legislative advocacy takes the form of direct lobbying, which involves contacting a legislator, sharing your views on an issue and requesting that lawmaker to vote a particular way on a legislative proposal. This can be accomplished in one of three ways…via phone, letter or an official meeting with a legislator.

Why Choose Us for Your Legislative Advocacy Needs?

At John J. Millner and Associates, our strategic consulting services go beyond helping you draft and present policy before the Illinois Government. Our experienced professionals can help you define your policy objectives, connect you with key strategic partners and build campaigns to advance your goals. In addition, we offer training and seminars on witness testimony techniques and provide public relations and event management services to support your grass-root initiatives

Our Strategic Consulting Services Include:

Public Affairs Strategic Planning

We work with you to develop an integrated public affairs strategy that aligns with your overall organizational goals. We have the ability to serve as your external government affairs department or work with your existing team to define and execute a public affairs strategy. By coordinating with all organizational stakeholders, we can help develop a comprehensive public affairs plan that defines and promotes your organization’s policy position.

Witness Testimony Training

John J. Millner is a Certified Forensic Interviewer and leads our witness testimony training practice. John has lectured on interviewing to a wide variety of audiences in corporate seminars and academic institutions. John has also developed and instituted seminars in advanced interviewing, rapport development and body language. Through John’s instructor-led witness testimony training, we prepare clients to testify before committees and other legislative hearings. Clients learn how to manage their own verbal and non-verbal communication as well as be able to read the body language of their audience to determine the effectiveness of your testimony.

Grass-Roots Campaign Management

A grass-roots advocacy campaign is a powerful communication tool that in conjunction with direct advocacy efforts provides a comprehensive, multi-voice platform to advance policy. We offer consultation services on how to organize a grass-roots campaign that supports direct advocacy efforts. We train people and organizations at the local level to influence public policy at the state levels through effective letter writing, email and fax campaigns. We also organize tailored “Lobby Days” at the state capitol in Springfield, Illinois where groups visit legislators in their offices or have them attend an information event.