About AGRP

For the past 30 years, AGRP has been the preeminent national organization representing professionals engaged in lobbying, public policy and advocacy. Our mission is to “enhance the professionalism, competence, and high ethical standards for public policy professionals through education, information exchange and the on-going advocacy of the Constitution’s First Amendment right to petition government. Our core values and beliefs are:

• Freedom of Speech – We believe in the Constitutionally-protected right of freedom of speech, the public’s right to petition government, and the right of all Americans to be represented before government.
• Ethical Conduct – We believe in ethical conduct at all times and in all transactions by all lobbying professionals.
• Transparency – We believe in transparency in the practices of lobbying professionals and government.
• Service – We believe in the value of representational services that lobbying professionals provide to the American public and government.

Lobbyists and government relations professionals have been an integral part of our representative system of government since the founding of the Republic. Government relations professionals are involved with the schools, churches, retail businesses, and corporate interests you see each day. Of course, each individual and business can go to Washington, DC, on their own to ask Congress to respond to their needs. However, public policy professionals know the intricacies of the process – who to talk to, how and when to present an effective argument, and what needs to be done to follow-up. Lobbyists and public policy professionals also serve as valuable sources of information and education for elected officials to tap into to better understand how their decisions affect their constituents and the country overall.

Above all else that we do, AGRP is committed to promoting ethical lobbying. We have been at the forefront of both calling for and helping to write laws that require federal lobbyists to register with Congress. We have promoted transparency so that anyone can use the Internet to see who our clients are, what issues we are working on, and how much we are paid. AGRP prescribes a strong Code of Ethics for its members to follow, as well as, a rigorous Lobbying Certificate Program that assures lobbyists have a complete knowledge of the legislative and regulatory processes.

We are focused on growing our membership and providing members with the tools to help them be successful in their profession. We will be growing our suite of member benefits and educational offerings to help lobbyists and government affairs professionals at all stages in their career. To join AGRP, complete our online application. Your membership will not only help you and your career, but will also signal your support of an open, accessible, and well-informed government that fosters the public trust and values the significant role lobbyists and government relations professionals play in the public’s right to be represented before government.