Get Ahead of the Legislative Session: How to Prepare Your Communications Now

The countdown is on. In just a few months, the Georgia General Assembly will convene and with it comes a flood of policy debates, media coverage, and stakeholder activity.

For organizations with a stake in state policy, now is the moment to prepare. The groundwork you lay today will shape how your messages land once the legislative session begins.

Why Early Preparation Matters

The legislative environment moves fast — and it’s complex. By the time a bill drops or a committee hearing is scheduled, it’s often too late to start shaping perceptions.

When organizations wait to communicate, they’re forced into reaction mode. When there’s a communication void, inaccurate or incomplete information can easily fill the gap.

A proactive communications strategy changes the game. It helps steer conversations, shares valuable information, and prepares you to enter the session from a position of strength.

Five Ways to Build a Smart Pre-Session Strategy

1. Sharpen Your Message.

Boil complex policy topics down to clear, relatable language. Connect the dots between your priorities and what lawmakers and their constituents care about most: economic growth, job creation, safety, and quality of life.

2. Align Stakeholders and Coalitions.

Your message carries more weight when others echo it. Bring partners, association members, and allies together now to align on shared goals and talking points. Early coordination ensures consistency and builds trust once the session begins.

3. Engage with Media Before the Rush.

Don’t wait for session headlines to start telling your story. Identify proactive, human-centered angles that make your issue real to the public. Build or refresh relationships with key reporters who cover your policy area so they view you as a go-to resource when news breaks.

4. Plan for Issues and Crisis Response.

Legislative sessions can be unpredictable. Think through likely scenarios, such as misinformation and rapid developments, and map out potential responses. Preparation protects your reputation and keeps your message steady under pressure.

5. Activate Thought Leadership.

Position your leaders as trusted, authoritative voices. Develop op-eds, guest columns, and speaking opportunities that highlight expertise and demonstrate why your perspective matters to Georgia’s future.

Set Your Strategy Before the Session Starts

Whether you’re advancing a legislative priority, managing a sensitive issue, or building influence around a policy goal, the months before the legislative session are the time to get ahead.

At CMC, we help organizations find the message that moves people to action before the conversation starts without them.

"Working with the CMC team is seamless — it always feels like they are an extension of our own team. They just get it: the fast pace, the political sensitivities, the need to stay three steps ahead. CMC understands how to navigate complex policy environments and turn nuanced issues into clear, compelling stories that resonate with stakeholders, media, and decision-makers alike. Whether it’s shaping a public narrative, managing a sensitive issue, or building credibility around a legislative priority, CMC is our invaluable partner." ~ Jay Morgan, Founder, JL Morgan Co.