Observer Corps & Lobby Corps

 

The Observer Corps and Lobby Corps programs train volunteers across the state to support LWVMN’s work at the State Capitol, reporting information about what is happening at the Legislature, and even helping to lobby on key issues.

The Observer Corps and Lobby Corps programs are open to any LWVMN members who are current with their dues. At this time, these programs are open only to LWVMN members. If you are a member of the public who is not a member of LWVMN, but are still interested in our action and advocacy work, we encourage you to subscribe to our Capitol Letter and Action Alerts. 

If you’re already a Lobby Corps or Observer Corps member and you’re looking for report forms or request forms, please check the Advocacy section of our Member Resources page.

If you are a current LWVMN member who is interested in joining one of the programs, please follow the six steps below:

 

Step 1

Review Handbook and Frequently Asked QUestions

  1. Download (and print, if you desire) the Observer Corps & Lobby Corps Handbook. You can always find a link to the Handbook in the Action & Advocacy section of Member Resources. 

  2. Please read pages 3-8 of the Handbook to learn more about the fundamentals of both programs. If you want to know more about Observer Corps, read page 13. If you want to know more about Lobby Corps, read page 18.

  3. Review Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page.

  4. Review the job description.

Step 2

Watch the overview videos

Training Introduction

7 mins / copy of slides

Intro to Corps Programs

10 mins / copy of slides

Legislative Process & Lingo

25 mins / copy of slides

If you’re having difficulties watching the videos, please seek assistance from the state office.

Step 3

Watch the Program Videos

Watch the relevant training videos for the program you’d like to join. (You may join both!)

Observer Corps Videos

Observer Corps Video 1

Observer Corps Job Description
4 mins / Handbook p. 13

Observer Corps Video 2

Reports, Report Form, Checklist
22 mins / Handbook p. 14-16

 
 

Lobby Corps Videos

Lobby Corps Video 1

Lobby Corps Job Description
8 mins / Handbook p. 18

Lobby Corps Video 2

Bill Tracking
17 mins / Handbook p. 19

Lobby Corps Video 3

Drafting Materials, Checklist
33 mins / Handbook p. 20-27, 31

Lobby Corps Video 4

Action Alert Proposal Form
20 mins / Handbook p. 28

 

If you’re having difficulties watching the videos, please seek assistance from the state office.

Step 4

Take the Quiz

Take the Quiz for the program you’d like to join. At the completion of your quiz, please click the “View Accuracy” button to see the correct answers. The quiz is merely used as facilitation for learning the materials, and reviews some of the most important pieces of the programs and highlights them a second time. You are not required to pass the quiz.

If you’d like to participate in both the Observer Corps program and the Lobby Corps program, you will need to complete the quiz for each program separately. 

Observer Corps Quiz

Lobby Corps Quiz

To review any information you may have missed, rewatch any videos and consult the Handbook. If you still have questions after reviewing the Handbook and videos, you can contact the state office for additional clarity.

Step 5

Complete Registration Form

Once you have taken a Quiz, you will automatically receive an email with a link to the Registration Form. You must complete the Registration Form to join one of the programs.

If you’d like to participate in both the Observer Corps program and the Lobby Corps program, you will need to complete the Registration Form for each program separately. Thank you for joining!

Step 6

Calendar of Dates

To be determined.

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Why online training through videos?

In an effort to continue meeting the needs of our members and to expand our programs, LWVMN chose to transition from live training to online video training. It was difficult for members to reserve time on a specific day and travel to the metro area for a lengthy training. Training could also only happen immediately prior to session. By transitioning to online video trainings, members can complete the training from home, at their leisure, and when convenient to them. They can also spread training out over several days, rather than needing to commit several hours of an entire morning or afternoon.

Will there still be opportunities for in-person meetings so Observer Corps members and Lobby Corps members can meet each other?

Yes! Please watch the “Training Introduction” video and see Step 6 for more information.

What if I do not complete the 4 reports expected of Observers or the 3 submissions expected of Lobby Corps members?

Do not worry, you will not lose your membership over it. However, individuals who do not meet these expectations may not be invited to return to the programs in the future.

If I was a former legislator, lobbyist, or legislative staffer, or otherwise have significant experience with the legislature, do I need to watch all of these videos?

No. You can skip the “Legislative Process and Lingo,” as well as “Bill Tracking” (although you will miss information about LWVMN’s internal bill tracking system). Simply check off those lines on the Registration Form as being completed. The other videos, however, explain our internal processes and should be reviewed so you know how to participate in the programs.

If I was in Observer Corps or Lobby Corps previously, do I need to complete training again?

You can skip over sections in the videos that are not new to you. You are encouraged to study the Handbook closely for new information. You must still take the Quiz and submit a new Registration Form.