This article describes how positioning an organization to be seen as trusted and expert on an issue requires careful relationship-building, patience, and an abundance of time. Such an effort often requires help, and so American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and Washington Partners are working together to further AIHEC's goals. Washington Partners is a government affairs and public relations consulting firm focused on all aspects of education and policies affecting children and youth--from birth through higher education. This trusted resource for members of Congress and their staffs helps on federal policy issues affecting tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). The staff at Washington Partners has worked on both sides of the aisle in key positions on the committees in the House and Senate charged with developing education policy. As the nation prepares to usher in a new Congress and presidential administration, AIHEC and Washington Partners will continue to work together to strengthen existing relationships, build new ones, and seek opportunities to advance tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) in Washington, DC.