Understanding a Key Audience: Strategic Guidance for Engaging Policymakers in a Year of Transition

The Glover Park Group (GPG) will develop a written strategic plan to further establish the Commonwealth Fund as a nonpartisan authority on health policy and practice, particularly among conservative policymakers and thought leaders. The plan will assess the current political and legislative climate, outline opportunities and tactics for strategic engagement that are consistent with the Fund’s areas of expertise, and provide a timeline for accomplishing key goals, particularly in the remainder of this transition year (2016) and the first 100 days of the next President’s term (2017).The strategic plan developed by GPG will be to inform Fund program staff and the executive management team. It will identify opportunities and strategies for the Fund to more effectively educate and engage influential conservative audiences, specifically congressional Republicans, conservative think tanks, and conservative media. Successful engagement of conservative policymakers will enhance the Fund’s role as a meaningful, nonpartisan resource for policymakers, increasing Republican attendance at key Fund events, such as the Bipartisan Members Retreat, and increasing the number of times Fund resources are requested and utilized by this constituency.