Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices Strengthening Ties with

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Establish a relationship -getting acquainted * Cultivate the relationship – educating and assisting * Nurture the relationship – windows of opportunity * Work the relationship – achieving goals

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Office Visits * Town Hall Meeting * Introductory Letter * Have a 3 rd party introduce you to the Lawmaker Establish a relationship – getting acquainted

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Educate about The American Legion. * Member of the Legion Family? Establish a relationship – getting acquainted

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Personalize the Relationship * Legion Family Network Establish a Relationship – Getting Acquainted

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices Cultivate the Relationship – Educating and Assisting * Congressional offices * Veterans in Congress

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices Cultivate the relationship – educating and assisting * Serve as a resource for the staff * Open Communications

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices Cultivate the relationship – educating and assisting Volunteer your services: * Military Academy Selection Committee * Veterans’ Advisory Committee

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Get the lawmaker involved Invite to events: • Throw out first pitch. • Speak at major events. • Provide legislative updates for newsletter. • Participate in Boys/Girls State. Nurture the relationship – windows of opportunity

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Publicly recognize achievements: • Present a plaque • Host a banquet • Department resolution • Convention Speaker • Feature in Magazine Nurture the relationship – windows of opportunity

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Share Legion’s legislative agenda. Work the relationship – achieving goals * Share Legislative Alerts & Updates. * Identify legislation for cosponsorship.

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Host a Meet the Candidates Night. * Host a Veterans’ Town Hall Meeting. * “Get Out the Vote” campaign. Work the relationship – achieving goals

Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American Legion shall be absolutely non-political and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles or for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment.

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Work on a campaign: • Distribute campaign literature. • Personal endorsement. • Fundraising. • Form “Veterans for Joe”. Political advocacy – individual activities

Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American Legion DO: Wear your Legion cap to the polls to vote. DON’T: Wear your Legion cap to personally endorse or campaign for a political candidate.

Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American Legion DO: Be active in the political process. DON’T: Endorse a political candidate – even a veteran or fellow Legionnaire.

Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American Legion DO: Host Meet the Candidates Night. DON’T: Promote one candidate over another.

Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American Legion DO: Treat all candidates the same. DON’T: Demonstrate any favoritism.

Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American Legion DO: Keep Post home free of campaign literature. DON’T: Display campaign signs at Post home.

Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American Legion DO: Contact National Judge Advocate for guidance. DON’T: Assume it’s okay.

Legislative Briefing Any Questions?