>From: "Lois Morrison" Date: Mon, 31 Jan 1994 16:56:29 EST Subject: Lobbying Seminar Held in Atlanta POLITICAL PROS TEACH COMMUNITY MEMBERS HOW TO LOBBY GAPAC Members Update - February 1994 A capacity crowd of 100 braved the cold on January 8 to attend a political skills workshop coordinated by HRCF (Human Rights Campaign Fund) and co-sponsored by GAPAC (Georgia Political Action Committee) and AALGA (Afro-American Lesbian Gay Alliance). Panels composed of media representatives, political operatives, and legislative staff shared their insights on how to work effectively within the political arena. Representatives from WGNX (channel 46), Southern Voice, ETC, and GLAAD (the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) explained how to get the attention of and work effectively with the media from print to TV. Campaign managers for Bill Campbell and Myrtle Davis (candidates for mayor of Atlanta; Campbell won the election...lkm) discussed how campaign strategies are developed and implemented and the ups and downs of polling. Special attention was given to "small races" (district as opposed to city-wide or top-of-the-ticket races). For those interested, $50,000 is the bottom line for an effective, but basic, local race. Finally, Washington lobbyists for the AFL-CIO and Georgians for Choice and staff members for Congressman John Lewis (who was in attendance at the workshop) and Senator Paul Coverdell laid out for participants the ins and outs of working with our elected representatives. With the Georgia General Assembly kicking off its 1994 session on January 10, and Congress returning from its Christmas recess, the workshop was an informative forum for the political neophyte or a timely refresher for the seasoned political junky. With the religious right holding its own workshop the same weekend, it was time well spent by the lesbians, gay men, and friends of the community in attendance.