What does Your Organization Stand for?

1. Policy Advocacy and NetworkingDon ShapiroDirector of PublicationsAmerican Chamber of Commerce in TaipeiCACCI Chamber Operations CourseTaipei, August 12, 2009

2. What does Your Organization Stand for? Advocacy

3. Define Your Principles AmCham Taipei’s Mission • "AmCham fosters the development of investment and trade between the United States and Taiwan, and it seeks to enhance Taiwan's economic environment by promoting the adoption of international business standards in the areas of legislation, regulations, and enforcement." AmCham Taipei’s Core Values • Private Enterprise • Rule of Law • Free Trade • Ethical & Responsible Business Practices • Transparency & the Free Flow of Information

4. Appeal to the Public Interest • Stressing your members’ advantages or disadvantages will win little sympathy. • Emphasize the broader benefits to consumers or society. • Cite principles of fairness, open competition, progress, international standards, etc.

5. Who can promote advocacy? • President/Chairman • Officers and Board • Committee Chairs Departments: • Government Relations • Membership • Programs • Publications

6. Who are your targets? Direct: • Government officials High-level Medium-level Working-level Indirect: • Media Creating a positive environment • Other NGOs, Scholars, Think Tanks Forging allies

7. Washington “Doorknock”

8. Put it in Writing The spoken word is soon forgotten. When it’s in black and white, it’s available for constant reference. • Handouts to leave behind at meetings • Post-meeting minutes/memos • Magazines or newsletters • White paper

9. Annual Taiwan White Paper

10. Fact-based Advocacy • White Paper issues are raised by Chamber committees based on actual operational experience, then thoroughly discussed at the committee level • The position papers are closely edited and go through several drafts • Vetting by Board-appointed representative with legal background

11. Maintain Consistency • Be alert for conflicting positions between different groups of Chamber members – for example regarding environmental protection versus industry interests • Seek to have a unified Chamber perspective as much as possible

12. Monthly TOPICS Magazine

13. TOPICS: Continuous Advocacy BetweenWhite Papers • Editorial • “Issues” Column • Advertorials • Cover Story • Industry Focus

14. Media Relations • White Paper press conference • News releases • Media interviews • Emailing selected TOPICS magazine articles • Inviting media to attend selected events • Guest columns

15. Web Site • Speeches, news releases, etc. • Magazine articles • White Paper reports • Reference materials for use by members, media, government officials, other interested parties www.amcham.com.tw

16. NETWORKING

17. Committee & Other Events • Peer-to-peer within an industry • Getting to know industry leaders Meeting those from other industries • Contacts with government officials • Interaction with service providers (lawyers, CPAs, executive search, etc.) • Engagement with consultants, academics, etc.

18. Annual Banquet: Hsieh Nien Fan

19. American Ball 2006 AmCham Ball: Shanghai 1930 2008 AmCham Ball: Oriental Express 2007 AmCham Ball: Black & White

20. Anniversary Party

21. U.S. National Day Celebration

22. Field Trip

23. Cooperation with Other Chambers Special Luncheon on Biotech sponsored jointly with European Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan Joint Luncheon on CSR with French Chamber of Commerce

24. Thank You! Any Questions or Comments?