Tips from the Cabinet

Patriot Academy is an extraordinary experience whether it’s your first year or your fifth.  In order to help you make the most of your week at the Texas State Capitol this page is full of tips and hints from your 2011 Cabinet.  Each cabinet member has been a part of Patriot for at least 3 years, so they know what it’s like coming in as a freshman and as an Alumni trying to refresh your memory.  These are just helpful hints so you can take advantage of all the training Patriot Academy has to offer!  Below you will find tips from Governor Clark, Lieutenant Governor Becker (President of the Senate), and Speaker Bullock (leader of the House of Representatives.)

From Governor Clark:

1. Immediately Make Friends, in high and low places – No matter what you are doing, networking and building a strong group of friends is extremely beneficial. That’s one of the greatest parts of PA. As soon as you arrive, begin to socialize and communicate with others. This is especially beneficial in the political process and having friends at all levels is really helpful. Some specific people you want to make alliances with are your committee chair, the chair of the Calendars Committee, the Speaker of the House, Senate Members, the Lt. Governor, and of course, the Governor.
2. Know your Bill – Be prepared to support and defend your bill. Don’t expect everyone to simply agree with you. Do your research. Be ready to convince your friends, allies and enemies that your bill should be enacted. Without the support of the people I mentioned above, your bill will die a quick and painful death.
3. Understand the Rules and Procedures – This is one of the best ways to become very influential on the house floor. There are several ways to control what’s going on if you simply know the rules. Start your research by reading the Parliamentary Pack and looking up Robert’s Rules of Order.
4. Guard your Character – In the political arena, character is vital. To help young patriots understand this, each student is given a golf ball, which they must guard against theft, loss, etc. The consequences are grave, so be certain you know exactly where your character (golf ball) is at all times!
5. Sleep for hours beforehand – Sleep is definitely not in great supply at PA, so be sure you come rested and ready for an intense week!

From Lt. Governor Becker:

• Utilize the student leadership team: We’re here to help you.  If you have questions about fundraising or how to write your bill, please e-mail us.  Valuable time can be wasted in committee by not having your bill worded properly.
• Be slow to commit yourself: Wait until you’ve had a chance to thoroughly meet the candidates before you support one.  But when you have chosen a candidate, stay loyal to that person.  Also, make sure you have counsel before you let someone know you support his bill.  If you haven’t heard both sides of the issue, it can be awkward letting the author know you’ve changed your mind.  Trust me, I know from personal experience!
• Don’t lose your character: Always hold it in your hand.  Don’t let anyone else hold it for you.  And don’t put in on the desk you’re sitting at.  Golfballs have a nasty habit of disappearing when your back is turned.  Finally, practice your singing voice before you come should you happen to lose it!
• Make friends with the Senators: Your bill might pass unanimously in the House, but unless enough Senators support, it’s dead in the water.  Make sure you talk to the Senators about your bill and get their support before it passes the House.  If they know about it beforehand, your bill stands a better chance of getting through.
• Talk to the Lt. Gov about your bill: The Lt. Gov decides the calendar for the Senate so be sure and get support for your bill.
• Take lots of pictures: Be sure and have a camera with you at all times.  You never know when you might be able to snap a picture that could end up in Mama Seay’s Facebook presentation!!

From Speaker Bullock:

1. Use the Process!
That’s what it’s there for, take advantage of it.  Freshman, I know (from my own experiences) that your first time at Patriot Academy can be intimidating.  But jump in, work the process, and don’t be afraid of slipping up.  There are always mentors, alumni, and volunteers around to help you out!

2. Make Allies!
As soon as you get to the hotel, start making friends.  Start talking about your bills and get support.  The more friends you have working with you and you work with, the better!  You’ll need friends on the House floor when your bill comes up.

3. Know the rules.
READ THE PARLIAMENTARY PACK!!!  Know the rules, if you have time scan through some of the Texas House Rules.  Those that know the rules tend to have the most influence on the floor.  If you have questions about the rules, come talk to me or the parliamentarian.

4. Your bill
You’re coming into your week at Patriot Academy with a bill you want to get passed.  But part of this process is that you have to be open to other peoples’ ideas and suggestions.  Not everyone is going to like your bill.  A couple really important things to remember are:

1. It’s ok to amend your bill.  Sometimes your going to have to accept changes to your bill in order to get it passed.
2. It’s better to stick your foot in the door than to have it shut in your face.  Even if you can accomplish part of your goal, it’s better than not getting it completely shut down.  Sometimes the hardest battles are won by one small step at a time.
3. This one is the MOST important one to remember.  Be willing to accept changes, but don’t EVER compromise your principles.  In every aspect of Patriot Academy, whatever you do, don’t waiver in your principles, integrity, or character.  And if you give someone your word, you better mean it.

5. Committees
This is when a lot of the hard work happens.  Your bill will go before the committee and you will have to explain your bill, answer questions, discuss amendments with 10-15 other members, and hopeful get your bill passed.  A LOT of bills die in committee.  You need to talk to the Chair of your committee as soon as you get to Patriot in order to give you bill a better chance of being heard on the House floor.  But after your committee, you need to talk to the Chair and members of the Calendars committee.  They are the ones responsible for actually placing bills that came out of committee on the Floor Calendar.  They are very key people in the process.

6. The House Floor
In my opinion, the best part!  It’s crazy, a lot is happening, but you learn so much and it’s just fun.  Best piece of advice I can give you is this, GO FOR IT!  Don’t be afraid to jump in there.  Raise points of order, ask questions, speak against bills, speak for bills, amend bills, and don’t back down.  I know it can be intimidating, but the best way to learn is to jump right in.  There will be alumni, mentors, and others who are around to help you, myself included!  I’m always around if you have questions or need help with ANYTHING.  Seriously, there is no question you can’t ask.

7. Have fun.
Patriot is busy and a lot will happen, but enjoy yourself. Make friends and have fun!