Welcome! We are the Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute (PAAI) at American University. We offer advanced workshops conducted by lobbying professionals throughout the year and host the Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute in January and May.

Taking advantage of its setting in the nation's capital, PAAI offers courses on the representation of organized interests to the federal government combining academic approaches with the real world of Washington lobbying.

The Institute is a two-week intensive course (4 credit hours) offered in December and May focusing on major aspects of professional lobbying and political influence. The Institute features speakers from the faculty of American University and dozens of prominent professional lobbyists representing corporations, trade and professional associations, public interest groups, labor unions, as well as law and lobbying firms.

The workshop examines the full range of strategies and tactics pursued by organized interests and their lobbyists in attempting to gain access, obtain and exchange information, and influence policy makers in Congress and the executive branch. Drawing on their rich body of experiences, prominent lobbyists involved in all aspects of their profession offer lectures on such topics as direct lobbying, fundraising, the uses of different kinds of political money, various types of grassroots programs, coalition-building, advertising and public relations, and litigation strategies.

The Institute has a longstanding commitment to values and ethics-based lobbying, providing lectures and discussions on all aspects of the topic. It also recognizes the need to integrate diversity, equity and Inclusion (DEI) in its approaches to developing effective advocacy campaigns. PAAI will continue to provide lectures and panels for individuals and organizations to better understand DEI impact on the Advocacy profession.

Workshop participants are divided into teams to apply this knowledge by simulating the activities of a real-life lobbying firm. Under the direction of a senior Washington lobbyist serving as a mentor, each team creates a strategic lobbying plan on an important current public policy issue for a prospective client. On the final day of the institute the combined student and professional teams make a presentation of their strategic plans to a panel of faculty and lobbying professionals.

The Center offers several financial awards, including the recently added PAAI-specific award, the Griffin Scholarship for the Public Affairs & Advocacy Institute, to help offset the costs of participating in the institutes for degree and non-degree students.

AU students should see their academic adviser for information on enrolling in the institutes. There are also a limited number of seats available to non-AU students to participate in the institutes. Professionals can apply by submitting a resume and letter of interest to ccps@american.edu.

Learn more about PAAI sessions for the upcoming academic year.
Winter Intersession PAAI Dates: January 2-11, 2025
Spring 2025 Dates: May 12-24, 2025

To apply for the PAAI Margery Kraus scholarship, please submit a resume and a letter of interest through Blackbaud and also emailed to PAAI Director Laura Uttley luttley@american.edu stating how PAAI and a deeper understanding of advocacy will advance their careers and future aspirations.

If the student is participating in a for-credit capacity, they should also submit documentation to make a determination based on merit and financial need.

The scholarship prioritizes nondegree enrollees from nonprofit organizations and international students second, followed by enrolled graduate and undergraduate students. 

Nondegree students should submit their interest in participating in the class by December 1st. Scholarship applications are due by December 15.