One part research studies, one part interviews and focus groups, and one part experience, this text provides practical guidance on preparing for and meeting with elected officials and staff, writing effective letters and e-mails to elected officials, and strategies for influencing legislators face to face.

A comprehensive guide for American citizens, covering topics such as government structure, voting, and civic responsibility. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Citizens academies have emerged as an innovative way local governments are investing in civic infrastructure through the civic education of their citizens. The Citizens Academy Handbook offers important insights to communities and engagement-minded public officials who are considering starting such a program. It also offers practical guidance for staff who run citizens academies. These pages are filled with nuts-and-bolts advice on all aspects of program planning and delivery, profiles of successful programs, sample materials, and spotlights on innovative practices.

This book examines a wide range of country experiences, offers examples of good practice, highlights innovative approaches and identifies promising tools (including new information technologies)for engaging citizens in policy making. It proposes a set of ten guiding principles.