AIA 2016 SpeakUp-ScholarshipReport · Overall, 2016 AIA SpeakUp! advocacy and action event was an...

wednesday 7.13.2016

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capitol hill meetings: Hawaii delegation hill meetings arranged by AIA National were my second visit to our representatives in DC advocating for the AIA (Grassroots 2014). Meetings were to be held with Senator Mazie Hirono and Senator Brian Schatz.

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opening session: Our Hawaii delegation consisting of five skipped the speak up! opening session related to Capitol Hill briefings as our Hill visits were pre-arranged for the same time. Luckily we met early that morning with Ian McTiernan, Federal Relations, American Institute of Architects.

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session I workshop: Elements of a strong legislative plan; building campaigns to win: Interesting panel of speakers, two from AIA Tennessee, a Senator from New Jersey, and federal policy director from Maryland. Each spoke about government advocacy from their perspective and experience of working with government.

on the agenda member experience registration: Arrived at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill direct from Ronald Reagan Airport. Conference signage directed us to registration booths.

aia speakup! 2016 advocacy and action event Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, Washington DC – attended by Reid Mizue, AIA, OMIZU Architecture inc.

Registering was simple, not crowded and registration staff was helpful. Got handed an advocacy Campaign team binder (hands-on activity) and the schedule guide.

A diverse group of experienced architects, AIA advocacy committee chairs, and many exec. VP’s / directors for other AIA components nationwide. Passion + dedication.

capitol hill meetings: Both meetings with our Senators occurred at the Hart Senate Building, roughly two to three blocks from the Hyatt Regency.

Dan Chun, FAIA, HI State Council and Bill Brizee, State Gov’t Network attended an SGN meeting while myself, Robin Inaba, Jason Takeuchi, Rebecca Ogi, and Kahn Meyer attended and met with the Senators.

session I workshop: Elements of a strong legislative plan: building campaigns to win. Speaker panel mentioned above explained their advocacy perspectives.

An informative and educational session. Pushing an agenda with lawmakers does take commitment, perseverance and personality to gather momentum, create an avenue to be heard and follow through with getting a bill passed or voted on successfully by your rep.

welcome bbq @ aia national: AIA National treated the attendees to a prearranged bus ride to and from AIA National for a dinner bbq with food, drinks and music.

Fun, fun, fun. Also an educational experience to meet so many truly dedicated/like-minded AIA members and leaders from every corner of the country. Mmm Food!

speak up! kick-off: Held for those familiar to Grassroots advocacy and new to the SpeakUp! event. SpeakUp! was created as a focus on gov’t advocacy.

senator hirono / senator schatz: The Hawaii Delegation’s opportunity to speak directly with our 2 Senator’s staff regarding 2-3 AIA Nat. issues. Please see the attached two briefs and talking points.

Exhilarating experience. Sen. Hirono’s 2 staff persons were hesitant but receptive to our concerns. Sen. Schatz’s staff person was incredibly prepared for our issues as architects. Truly impressed. Both Senators were present for talkstory following our business briefs.

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thursday 7.14.2016

campaign strategy activity: During Wednesday’s schedule of events we moved into 4 pre-determined teams of about 30 people. The 3-day theoretical advocacy challenge was to review, coordinate and create a strategy to present to a panel of jurors.

session II workshop: Effective communication: Getting your point across. AIA National provided a motivational communications speaker, whose charisma and logic definitely excited the attendees on effective dialogue.

session III / IV workshops: Workshop III – Earned media in the digital age: Specific case study from AIA Dallas was presented. Workshop IV – Local Advocacy: community engagement and coalition building: 2 panel speakers.

on the agenda

member experience breakfast: Day 2, AIA SpeakUp! advocacy event

began with hotel provided breakfast and roundtable discussions with advocacy subject matter per table.

aia speakup! 2016 advocacy and action event Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, Washington DC – attended by Reid Mizue, AIA, OMIZU Architecture Inc.

7:30 a.m. was more of a meet and greet experience in lieu of roundtable discussions. We learned AIA Alaska has similar geographic challenges to AIA Honolulu!

The most interactive and hands-on portion of the entire conference. The 3-day exercise / task-heavy / mini-competition between teams pushed each group to dive into theoretical advocacy issues, work closely with those in our task groups, pool our collective resources / understanding / experience of advocacy, and then formulate a presentation-delivery method to state our case to an actual jury consisting of lobbyists, government reps., and government advocacy professionals. Being architects and/or AIA component staff, creativity and know how came into play.

session II workshop: Laurie Richards, a communications expert and business owner provided insight to effective forms of communications.

Although Richards is not in the field of architecture, her enthusiastic tips (email, powerpoint presentations, and statement phrasing) were refreshing and directional.

session IV workshop: Local Advocacy: Community engagement leader/architect Joe Mills and Jennifer Bevan-Dangel spoke candidly about coalition building.

Delightful speaker perspectives. Mills described his political activism via grassroots community efforts, while Dangel, an attorney described Common Cause MD.

campaign strategy activity: conference attendees ranged from 200 to 300 people total. Pre-assigned into four separate teams of 30-40 people, each group worked as a theoretical city-state (team names: Sparta, Corinth, Athens, Argos) to develop the best presentation. Each teams’ goal was to effectively utilize advocacy skills learned in workshops and to realize the potential for real-world application in government advocacy. Theoretical city-states were further broken down into task groups: Legislative, Communications, PACs and Elections, Organization-building, and Coalitions and allies.

session III workshop: Earned media in a digital age; Speakers Jan Blackmon, FAIA, Katie Hitt, Scott Frank spoke about AIA Dallas’ case study local advocacy.

This seminar panel was a “lessons-learned” panel discussion, in which AIA Dallas embarked on an advocacy issue not unlike our rail position statements.

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friday 7.15.2016

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breakfast: The final day of advocacy training started with a hotel provided breakfast while sitting among those in one’s activity groups / teams. I was a member of Team Sparta.

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killer presentations: Final presentation on winning an audience over and effective presenting styles. Attendees listened over a bite to eat. Some competitive activity groups took the time to prepare their final statements.

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campaign crit: Closing the 3-day event brought the large group back together in the main ballroom to witness as each team presented their theoretical stance and strategy to three real-life politically active jurors.

on the agenda

member experience breakfast: Day 3, held an early 7:30 general

presentation focusing effective presenting styles during breakfast.


Seminar speaker Laurie Richards led a lively motivational morning presentation on the fine art of winning an audience over. Tips/insight for architects in general.

Each of the four teams presented one by one to the same panel of jurors. Argos, Athens, Corinth and Sparta all had very unique presentation styles and strategies!

The hands-on experience with those from AIA components all over the country was exceptional. Although a tremendous amount of thought and effort (some with movies produced, powerpoint presentations, creative skits, and even take-away handouts) went into each team’s presentation, all participants seemed to be very optimistic about winning the jury over.

Team Corinth successfully won over the jury. However, in juror’s statements, each juror was astounded by the effort, creativity, and amount of understanding architect teams grasped all concepts in less than 3 days.

Above: Example of Team Sparta conceptual factsheet / flier.

Overall, 2016 AIA SpeakUp! advocacy and action event was an incredible experience from beginning to end. My understanding of government advocacy has grown and I do feel the potential to engage with our local government with some confidence and hopefully with more frequency on behalf of the profession. Amazing event.

campaign crit: Final day culminated w/ the anticipated portion of the event; presenting to a panel of actual policy makers after 3-days of task-oriented group work.

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SAYYESTO SB4

SB 4 would cost schools more money for school construc-tion

Over a ten year time span, SB 4 would save school districts approximately $600,000 meaning less money for support and MORE money directly into the classroom.

SB 4 doesn’t go far enough toward energy savings.

SB 4 represents a compromise among many groups nego-tiating over the last two years. While some may argue SB 4 doesn’t go far enough, school buildings in many states waste a significant amount of energy because they are not built to the latest energy-saving building codes. Adopting the GEEC Code goes a long way toward addressing this waste.

We all want something better for our children than what we had growing up. Ac-cording to Marion Wright Edelmann and the Children’s Defense Fund, “There is empirical data regarding learning and light and how it contributes to making our

children bright.”

FACT:

FACT:

FICTION:

FICTION:

attachments - photos | additional info. | recommendations

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gov’t advocacy issue 01: “Oppose Repeal of Federal Energy-Savings Goals-Retain EISA Section 433. AIA position: AIA urges members to oppose the repeal of increasing fossil fuel reduction in federal buildings. ATTACHED.

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gov’t advocacy issue 02: “Help Young Architects Help Their Communities.” AIA position: AIA urges Congress to pass National Design Services Act, providing arch. students debt relief to graduates who agree to work in distressed communities. ATTACHED.

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inspired: Following Friday’s mid-day wrap-up of the advocacy and action event, it was time for some experiential endeavors. Below are quick photos of sight-seeing I fit in after an inspiring 3-days of advocacy training.


As an AIA Grassroots alum, former Board member and, current AIA member, I highly recommend that all members at some point in time make the effort & commitment to attend SpeakUp! or Grassroots. The experience and profound perspective on our practice and the organization is like none other. mahalo AIA Hawaii State Council and AIA Honolulu.

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Hill Meeting Guide A Framework for Effective Meetings on Capitol Hill July 2016

Copyright 2016 l The American Institute of Architects l All Rights Reserved

Running an effective meeting on Capitol Hill is an art, but with the help of this guide, your group

can conduct your meetings like pros.

INTRODUCTIONS

Speaker 1: Give the staffer background on AIA.

Example: “The American Institute of Architects represents over 88,000 architects in the U.S. and

around the world. From designing the next generation of energy-saving buildings to making our

communities healthier and safer, architects today continue to play a central role in influencing and

improving our communities through our work.”

Add any relevant information about state or local component activity in the Member’s state or

district.

All: Go around the table and have each group member introduce themselves, being sure to

mention where they are from and/or where they work. Feel free to add a few words about the type

of work you do. Share any relevant stories or personal connections to the Member of Congress or

the office. At this time you may also pass your card to the staffer.

Speaker 1: Turn over to Speaker 2 who will tell the staffer more about why you are here today.

ISSUE DISCUSSION

Speaker 2: Using the provided talking points, explain the issue you plan to discuss.

Feel free to add personal examples which illustrate the importance of the issue to your work and to

the industry more broadly. Anecdotes referencing significant projects within the relevant state or

district are particularly effective.

WRAP-UP



Speaker 3: Ask the staffer if his/her office would be supportive of your ask. Make note of any

follow up information requested or needed, and pass along any questions or concerns to AIA

National Staff. Be sure to thank the Member or staffer for his/her time.

OTHER TIPS

Be sure to assign roles for your group members and review your talking points and

issue briefs ahead of time.

Arrive on time for your meetings, but if you are running late, be sure to let the office

know. If you arrive early, you may have to wait in the hall since congressional offices

are small, and may not have space for you to wait until the previous group leaves

If you would like to gather with your group before checking in for a meeting, plan to

meet in the hall outside the office before checking in at the front desk.

Build a good rapport with the Member of Congress or staffer by providing concrete

examples from your experience which tie back to your work in their state or district.

Don’t be flustered if the staffer interrupts your ‘spiel’ with a question, anecdote, or plug

for their Member’s work. Conversational meetings are very effective, but be sure to

work in the rest of your talking points when you can.

Remember, the talking points are not a script. They are there to help guide you through

the conversation, but feel free to put them into your own words.

Communicate your message clearly while keeping all information in layman’s terms.

Congressional offices deal with dozens of issues a day, so the Member or staffer may

not have more than a superficial knowledge of your issue. Feel free to ask the Member

or staff how familiar they are with the subject so that you can give appropriate

background.



Remember to hand over your leave behind materials during the meeting. This guide and

the issue-based Talking Points are for you to keep, and the Issue Briefs in the folders

are to leave with the Member or Staffer.

Keep your meetings brief, typically 20-30 minutes maximum. Most Congressional

office book meetings at 30 minute intervals, so be mindful that a long meeting can set

them behind schedule for the rest of the day.

Issue Brief AIA Issue Position and Analysis July 2016


Oppose Repeal of Federal Energy-Saving Goals Retain EISA Section 433

Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 was passed with

bipartisan support and signed into law by former President George W. Bush. This

policy establishes incremental targets for the reduction of fossil fuel generated

energy in newly constructed and majorly renovated federal buildings, with a goal of

zero usage in the year 2030, leading to better energy performance for federal

agencies and lower overall costs for taxpayers.

Unfortunately, energy legislation passed by both Chambers of Congress includes

language to repeal Section 433. The partisan energy bill passed by the House of

Representatives drew a veto threat from the Administration citing the repeal of

Section 433 as a primary objection. As Senate and House negotiators prepare to

negotiate a final bill to send to the President, AIA urges Congress to remove the

controversial Section 433 repeal language.

BACKGROUND

As one of the largest building owners and landlords in the world, the federal

government spends billions of taxpayer dollars each year on energy costs. Demand

for more efficient federal buildings not only saves taxpayer money, but also is

spurring the development of new materials, construction techniques, and building

technologies that the private sector is increasingly adopting for their buildings.

The current Section 433 targets are achievable today. In fact, some buildings are

meeting the 2030 target right now. For example, the retrofit of the Wayne N.

Aspinall Federal Building in Grand Junction, Colorado is the GSA’s first site net-

zero energy building on the National Register of Historic Places.

Despite being criticized as a law that is “impossible to implement,” the Department

of Energy has released a proposed rule that would implement Section 433 in a way

that addresses stakeholder concerns. Furthermore, Section 433 gives DOE the

discretion to adjust or waive the targets for any buildings if the Secretary finds

special circumstances making them impracticable.

AIA POSITION

The AIA recognizes a

growing body of evidence

that demonstrates current

planning, design,

construction, and real

estate practices contribute

to patterns of resource

consumption that will

inhibit the sustainable

future of the Earth.

The AIA strongly supports

the Section 433 roadmap

for achieving net zero

energy in new federal

buildings by 2030, and it

opposes a repeal of those

provisions.

The American Institute of

Architects

1735 New York Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20006-5292

Voice (202) 626-7484

[email protected]

www.aia.org/advocacy Twitter: @AIA_Advocacy

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.aia.org/advocacy



Section 433 does not ban fossil fuels in all federal buildings. Buildings placed into

service prior to 2030 will not have to be renovated to meet the requirements when

2030 comes around. The phase-in does not require zero fossil fuel use for any

building designed or renovated before 2030.

Talking Points AIA Issue Position and Analysis July 2016


Protect Federal Energy-Saving Goals

Sec. 433 of the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act was passed

with bi-partisan support and signed into law by former President Bush. It

establishes targets for the reduction of fossil fuel generated energy in

newly constructed and majorly renovated federal buildings.

Unfortunately, energy legislation currently being negotiated would repeal

Sec. 433, replacing it with much weaker energy efficiency targets for

federal buildings. This approach sets a low bar for energy efficiency and

fails to address buildings as a source of carbon pollution.

Sec. 433’s targets are achievable today. In fact, buildings like the Wayne

Aspinall Federal Building in Grand Junction, CO are meeting the 2030

target right now – 15 years early.

Sec. 433 does not ban fossil fuels for federal buildings. Buildings placed

into service prior to 2030 will not have to be renovated to meet the

targets when 2030 comes around. The phase-in does not require zero

fossil fuel use for any building designed or renovated before 2030.

DOE is developing rules to guide the application of Sec. 433. In late 2014,

DOE issued a supplemental draft rule addressing the concerns of industry

stakeholders, showing its commitment to an open, participatory process.

If aspects of the provision need to be amended, the AIA looks forward to

working with stakeholders to make that possible.

Sec. 433 is flexible. DOE has proposed carve-outs for on-site natural gas

usage in highly efficient combined heat and power (CHP) systems.

Section 433 also gives DOE the discretion to waive targets for any

building if the Secretary finds that special circumstances or uses make

them impracticable.

KEY MESSAGE

We urge Members of

Congress to oppose the

repeal of the targets for

fossil fuel reduction in

federal buildings in the

energy package

currently being

negotiated between the

House and the Senate.


Architects



Voice (202) 626-7484

[email protected]

www.aia.org/advocacy

Twitter: @AIA_Advocacy





A premature repeal would prevent DOE from completing the rulemaking

process, dramatically harming the federal government’s ability to design

and build facilities that use less energy, save taxpayer money, and protect

the environment.

Including a repeal of Sec. 433 in a comprehensive energy bill runs

counter to the goal of reducing energy consumption through energy

efficiency.

Architects would support consensus energy efficiency legislation that

makes meaningful improvements to current law. However, a repeal of

these important targets for federal buildings would set back efforts to

save energy, save taxpayer money, and reduce carbon pollution.

We urge you to OPPOSE the repeal of the federal 2030 requirements,

and ensure that any comprehensive energy legislation agreed to by

Congress leave Section 433 in place.



Help Young Architects Serve Their Communities Support H.R. 2938, the National Design

Services Act.

H.R. 2938, the National Design Services Act of 2015 (NDSA), would enable recent

architecture graduates to work with non-profit community design centers in

exchange for student debt relief. This will contribute to the economic revitalization

of underserved communities while relieving financial burdens on the next

generation of architects.

BACKGROUND

Architecture students are graduating with extremely high loan balances, forcing

many to leave the profession before completing the path the licensure. This

deprives the country of the professionals who will design and retrofit the next

generation of high performing buildings. Without a pool of qualified architects to

design buildings, those projects will not move forward, stifling economic

development.

A 2012 poll of hundreds of architecture school graduates by the American Institute

of Architecture Students (AIAS) revealed the extent of the problem. Respondents

reported an average of $40,000 in debt after graduation, as well as unexpected

costs specific to their architectural training. These costs included more than $1,000

annually on materials for project submissions and $800 on text books and

technology, accounting for a total of $1,500 a year in additional accumulated debt

in addition to tuition expenses.

The Federal government has provided student loan assistance for medical, legal

and veterinary school graduates who work in underserved areas. Architecture

graduates can provide design work to help underserved communities with much

needed public projects. This work will put economy-boosting redevelopment plans,

community centers, historic rehabilitations, and other projects within reach for cash

strapped localities.

AIA POSITION


Architects supports

legislation to provide

student debt relief to

graduating architecture

students who contribute

volunteer design work in

underserved communities.


Architects



Voice (202) 626-7484

[email protected]

www.aia.org/advocacy Twitter: @AIA_Advocacy





By enacting the National Design Services Act, Congress can help accelerate

economic growth in the design and construction industry and move valuable public

projects forward by including architecture school graduates in the same kinds of

programs that offer other professional graduates loan assistance if they donate

their services to communities in need.



Help Young Architects Serve Their Communities

A 2012 survey by the American Institute of Architecture Students showed

that graduating architecture students carry much higher undergraduate

student debt - $40,000 on average – than graduates in many other

professions.

If these graduates cannot find work, they will leave the architectural

profession in order to pay down their student loan balances.

Architects are the first professionals in a long chain of design and

construction workers, and are needed to make sure buildings are safe and

follow building codes.

Without a pipeline of new designers, it will be more difficult for

construction work and economic development to move forward at full

speed.

In order to address this issue, the American Institute of Architects has

worked with Congressman Ed Perlmutter and a bipartisan group of House

members to develop the National Design Services Act (H.R. 2938.).

This legislation would extend student debt relief to architecture graduates

in exchange for work in underserved communities through non-profit

community design centers.

Federal policies are already in place to encourage medical, legal and

veterinary school graduates to work in underserved areas in exchange for

student debt relief – but not architects.

KEY MESSAGE

Architecture students

are willing and able to

contribute their design

abilities to help their

communities in

exchange for student

loan assistance, but

need Congress’ help to

make that happen.


Architects



Voice (202) 626-7484

[email protected]

www.aia.org/advocacy

Twitter: @AIA_Advocacy





Architecture graduates can provide design work that helps communities

recover after disasters and bring about economic vitality through projects

to enhance community accessibility, resilience, and other needs.

We urge you to cosponsor H.R. 2938, the National Design Services Act of

2015.

AIA 2016 SpeakUp-ScholarshipReport · Overall, 2016 AIA SpeakUp! advocacy and action event was an...

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