Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices

1. Strengthening Ties withCongressional Offices

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

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

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

5. Strengthening Ties withCongressional Offices * Personalize the Relationship Establish a Relationship – Getting Acquainted * Legion Family Network

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

7. Strengthening Ties withCongressional Offices * Open Communications Cultivate the relationship – educating and assisting * Serve as a resource for the staff

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

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

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

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

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

13. Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American Legion 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. Legislative Briefing Any Questions?