Maggie Garrett

Background

About Maggie Garrett

What's the heart of effective nonprofit lobbying? Trust.If lawmakers, their staff, and your organizational partners don’t trust your expertise, your judgment and your word, they won’t listen to you. As a public policy executive and legal expert who has fought for civil liberties and civil rights my entire 20+ year career, I have earned that trust. What I fight for: We must all be allowed to believe (or not) as we choose, say what we think, access information, control our own bodies, and marry who we love. We need strong public schools, fair and accessible elections, and effective nondiscrimination laws. We're losing ground on these issues and more, making the fight more important than ever. How I work:০ I understand that coalition work is the key to getting things done. That is why I chair two national advocacy coalitions: The Coalition Against Religious Discrimination and The National Coalition for Public Education).০ I value good writing. As an advocate, I write Congressional testimony, public comments, coalition letters, hearing questions, and talking points. In order to succeed, you must be able to convey complex issues in simple, persuasive language. ০ Regulatory work might not be good fodder for a viral tiktok, but it results in real change and can make the lives of millions of people better. That’s why I have campaigned for 15+ regulatory changes across three administrations.০ I enjoy public speaking: I find it energizing and it helps connect me to the people who are most affected by the policies I am advancing. Check out my list of press and speaking events for some of the highlights of what I have done.Favorite accomplishments:০ The introduction of the Do No Harm Act in Congress, which had 206 House + 35 Senate cosponsors and 100 national group endorsements in the 117th Congress. ০ Defeating efforts led by then-President Trump to eliminate the Johnson Amendment. We shut down the false narrative that faith-leaders opposed this tax provision with letters from more 4,500 faith leaders and 106 religious and denominational organizations. ০ When I left the ACLU of Georgia, the Georgia State Senate adopted a resolution to recognize my work, and most important, it honored my dog, Atticus.Experienced in: Legislative Strategy, Regulatory & Legislative Systems, Team Building & Leadership, Regulatory Comments, Federal & State Legislation, Bill Analysis & Drafting, Legal Analysis, Strategic Counsel, Lobbying & Advocacy, Congressional Testimony, Coalition-Building and Relationships, Communications and Messaging