When the Liberian legislature convened in January, about 60 percent of its members were new, as were most of their staff members.  As the new lawmakers got their bearings and learned their way around the Capitol, their staffers were learning the best ways to support their bosses through a first-of-its-kind week of training sessions for legislative staff.

The Liberian legislature is still rebuilding after a 14-year civil war ended in 2003. In 2005, an all-new House and Senate were elected, followed by legislative elections in 2011, meaning that even the most experienced lawmakers are only into their second terms.

“A stronger staff makes for a stronger lawmaker,” said Liberian Rep. Edwin Snowe, welcoming 125 legislative staff members to an April training session on how they could advance the work of their bosses.

Seminars were led by a former member of the Liberian House of Representatives, Dusty Wolokolie, and a former chief of staff to the speaker of the New York City Council, Carin Mirowitz. Staffers learned techniques for reviewing bills, preparing lawmakers for hearings, analyzing policy and exercising the legislature’s oversight powers. Chiefs of staff learned how to manage both the lawmaker and fellow staff members, encourage and evaluate staff performance, represent constituents, work with civil society and interact with the press. 

The staff members also heard presentations from the Legislative Budget Office, the Legislative Information Service, and the legislature’s offices for Press and Public Affairs and Legislative Drafting about the services they provide to lawmakers and legislative staff.

“My boss will see a difference in my work after this,” said one participant after the week-long seminar. 

Staffers asked that the training continue on a regular basis and delve deeper into some of the technical areas covered during the initial sessions.

The professional staff training is part of an NDI-supported Liberian legislative modernization plan. In addition to working with staff and lawmakers, NDI supports the Legislative Budget Office and Legislative Information Service with ongoing resources and training programs.

Related:

• New library helps Liberian MPs write legislation»
• 'Small small' improvements to Liberian bill tracking improve transparency»
• NDI staff member seeks to bring women into elections, politics in Liberia»

Published June 1, 2012