AALEP AT A GLANCE

AALEP structural development reflects other work the association is doing and as the association grows and changes, it is necessary to think about its structure. As an organization with long-term goals of expansion, AALEP needed more concrete and clearer divisional responsibilities and authority hence the launch of 5 distinct Divisions:

1. AALEP Membership and Services Division (AMSD) manages services and benefits for the members, is responsible for responding to all membership-related inquiries , processes all member applications, maintains the membership database to reflect active and inactive memberships, process payment of dues, edit changes in membership status, and so forth. Membership Development is primarily responsible for the recruitment of new members, creating awareness on new business trends and developments; fostering camaraderie among members and conducting all other undertakings that cater to members’ needs to ensure more active member participation and involvement.
2. AALEP Publishing Division (APD) has a twofold purpose: to serve as distributor of books and other publications of the Association as well as offer authoritative, up-to-date and affordable information geared to lobbyists, advocates, public affairs professionals and the general public. Latest publication was the Fouloy’s Explanatoty Lobbying Dictionary.
3. AALEP Consulting Services Division (ACSD) offers advocacy and European affairs services on a consultancy basis. AALEP helps clients navigate the Brussels bubble, build relevant relationships with EU institutions and stakeholders, raise awareness and increase clients’ advocacy impact as well as develop their  expertise and knowledge. AALEP is able to offer strategic advice, training communications and event support. In addition to this, through our members we can offer specific activities in the policy areas and themes of interest to you. Sample services include:

• Development of outreach campaigns to engage and influence key EU political stakeholders.
• Training, mentoring and supporting clients’ staff to be better heard on the Brussels scene and to work successfully, with the media.
• Empowering clients to engage with the relevant levers to gain a better standing in the EU institutional and media agenda.
• Helping clients connect with who they should be talking to- not only policy-makers, but also like-minded organisations, companies and associations. AALEP will create settings for clients' network, laying the groundwork to build long-term relationships.
• Identifying opportunities i.e. policy developments at an EU level that will enhance clients’ public policy advocacy work.
• Delivering relevant views and news on clients’ behalf if they are not based in Brussels.
• Using research to analyze the EU political landscape and how it relates to clients’ objectives.
• Organizing events. AALEP puts at the service of clients its outstanding track record in organizing events in Brussels. We work with our clients to amplify their voices in supporting the well-being of all Europeans. To meet this need, events play a critical role in putting clients’  message across and open the door to a fruitful dialogue, with their stakeholders and policy-makers.

4. AALEP Academy of Public Policy Advocacy (APPA) provides professional-development learning opportunities and mentoring / coaching designed to enhance the in-house capacity of civil society organizations in both the professional / trade association sectors to constructively and effectively influence decisions of government. Its objective is to develop and deliver a body of learning tools of broad relevance for use by individuals and organizations whose goals include legitimately influencing public opinion, institutional behaviour and public policy. The Academy of Public Policy Advocacy has the following core missions:

• To stimulate the development and delivery of new methods and tools for facilitating learning related to public-policy advocacy (including lobbying) and convene a community of practice for those involved in such work.
• To provide a focal point for civil society access to advocacy capacity-building services and tools.
• To provide direction, guidance and technical assistance to instructors in the development and delivery of learning tools related to advocacy.
• To provide a forum for discussion and collaboration about new approaches, technologies and pedagogies associated with advocacy training.
• To promote the value of advocacy training as a key feature of civics education and constructive engagement in government policy and decision-making.

5. AALEP Strategic Alliances and Partnerships Divisions (SAPD). The mission of the Strategic Alliances and Partnerships Division is to align AALEP in unique and rewarding partnerships with country and/or regional associations of public affairs, communications consultants, lobbyists sharing the vision and goals of AALEP. AALEP has already concluded a number of protocols of co-operation with many associations throughout the world (see links).There are many benefits to be accrued from such co-operative arrangements because by combining our respective strengths with others (resources, capabilities, core competence) we’re in better position to achieve compatible objectives while both sides retain their individual identities and share in the risks and rewards. Such co-operative arrangements provide many opportunities:

• Reciprocal membership whereby members of one association may join the other organization at a discount, allowing valuable information to be gained and networking.
• Exchange or publication of information
• Holding joint meeting
• Offering education and training programmes
• Promulgation of professional and ethical standards
• Monitoring issues
• Joint advocacy on mutual issues of concern, Pushing forward an aggressive advocacy or legislative agenda for the benefit of both association’s members.
• We also see the value of such cooperation to advance the value of the respective associations within the profession.