Can This Generation of Hill Staff Change Congress?
Whether you are left of center or right of center, you have to admit Washington is in uncharted waters. Congress is being remade and congressional staffers have the opportunity to step up and bring change. Whether this is your first job on the Hill or you’ve been on the Hill for 10 years, this is a new era.
If you want to get Congress to tackle the big issues, it takes more than just ideas. It takes strong relationships and trust. As a staffer, you can play a big role. Here are a few thoughts:
Tear down the wall that’s built up between parties.
Over the past 20 years, there has been a steady erosion of not only bipartisan legislation, but bipartisan friendship as well. Start listening to those staffers down the hall that have a different viewpoint. Set up a special dinner and invite those who might never expect to be invited by you. You will learn from them and they will learn from you.
Bring in new voices.
Help your boss discover new ideas from unlikely sources. Partisans on both sides have their go-to think tanks and experts that have vested interests in continuing the partisan battles. Find experts outside DC, whether they work in academia, government, industry, or non-profit advocacy groups. Find those ideas that will provide practical solutions to big problems.
Change the tone.
Find ways to engage in the battle of ideas while still respecting those who differ. Be the person in your circle of friends that brings this change of tone. Extend this approach to your social media.
Be a mentor or find a mentor.
Rarely does great change happen overnight. Find someone you admire who will show you the ropes. Likewise, offer your insight to someone younger and newer to the Hill. Change attitudes, one person at a time.
What kind of place will Congress be in 2030? What role will you play as a staffer to make sure Congress is a better and more effective institution?
We want to help. On Dome, you can build relationships, share ideas, find new experts, and set a tone.
Share with us any thoughts you may have about how this generation of staff can make a difference.
