A manual for community college lobbying

It is the responsibility of the leaders of the higher education institution to ensure that
the community college stays relevant by keeping members of the state legislature informed and
aware of the needs of the college. The impact on a college that does not know how to
effectively lobby its state representative directly affects student success. This study focused on
researching strategies and tactics for community college leaders to use to lobby their state
legislatures effectively.
Qualitative research in the form of interviews with staff members of the Texas
legislature informed this study. Information from the interviews was intertwined with the
knowledge and experience of the researcher and combined with available literature and
resources in lobbying the state legislature. The study’s focus areas were lobbying laws, the
legislative process, preparation to lobby, and the relationship between college leaders and
elected officials. This product dissertation was conducted to create a manual focusing on
community college lobbying strategies and tactics for community college leaders. The
researcher conducted the phenomenological study based on personal experience working in
the United States House of Representatives coupled with qualitative research to inform a
helpful product and fill a gap in current knowledge. The manual will serve as a resource for
community college leaders who desire to begin lobbying or improving a current program.