Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional Offices

Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional 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 withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional Offices

* Office Visits

* Town Hall Meeting

* Introductory Letter

* Have a 3rd party introduce you to the Lawmaker

Establish a relationship – getting acquainted

Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional Offices

* Educate about The American Legion.

* Member of the Legion Family?

Establish a relationship – getting acquainted

Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional Offices

* Personalize the Relationship

* Legion Family Network

Establish a Relationship – Getting Acquainted

Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional Offices

* Congressional offices

Cultivate the Relationship – Educating and Assisting

* Veterans in Congress

Veterans in Congress

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10

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60

1945 1964 1983 2003

Year

Per

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tVeterans

Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional Offices

* Open Communications

* Serve as a resource for the staff

Cultivate the relationship – educating and assisting

Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional Offices

Volunteer your services:

* Military Academy Selection Committee

* Veterans’ Advisory Committee

Cultivate the relationship – educating and assisting

Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional 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 withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional Offices

Nurture the relationship – windows of opportunity * Publicly recognize

achievements:

• Present a plaque

• Host a banquet

• Department resolution

• Convention Speaker

• Feature in Magazine

Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional Offices

* Share Legion’s legislative agenda.

* Share Legislative Alerts & Updates.

* Identify legislation for cosponsorship.

Work the relationship – achieving goals

Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional 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 Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American LegionConstitution 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.

Strengthening Ties withStrengthening Ties withCongressional OfficesCongressional Offices

* Work on a campaign:

• Distribute campaign literature.

• Personal endorsement.

• Fundraising.

• Form “Veterans for Joe”.

Political advocacy – individual activities

Article II, Section 2 Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American LegionConstitution 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.

Article II, Section 2 Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American LegionConstitution of The American Legion

DO: DON’T:

Be active in the political process.

Endorse a political candidate – even a veteran or fellow Legionnaire.

Article II, Section 2 Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American LegionConstitution of The American Legion

DO: DON’T:

Host Meet the Candidates Night.

Promote one candidate over another.

Article II, Section 2 Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American LegionConstitution of The American Legion

DO: DON’T:

Treat all candidates the same.

Demonstrate any favoritism.

Article II, Section 2 Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American LegionConstitution of The American Legion

DO: DON’T:

Keep Post home free of campaign literature.

Display campaign signs at Post home.

Article II, Section 2 Article II, Section 2 Constitution of The American LegionConstitution of The American Legion

DO: DON’T:

Contact National Judge Advocate for guidance.

Assume it’s okay.

Legislative BriefingLegislative Briefing

Any Questions?