SNA’S LEGISLATIVE ACTION CONFERENCE WELCOME TO THE FIRST TIMER’S SESSION Welcome to our Nation’s Capitol and the SNA 2009 Legislative Action Conference! This year’s conference finds SNA on the edge of a hopeful and promising legislative future for child nutrition programs. The Legislative Action Conference is a unique opportunity to promote many of SNA’s core beliefs…with a real possibility of turning our dreams into realities! Your efforts this week are key to strengthening the future of the United States by ensuring that our children will be well nourished, ready to learn and active, positive members of society. I am Sara Gasiorowski, Mideast Regional Representative on PP & L. I am joined by Pat McCoy, Industry Rep for PPL. It is our pleasure to welcome you to the “First Timers’ Session”!

Session Overview LAC Objectives Review of the legislative process SNA legislative core team Lobbying strategies for congressional visits This session will acquaint you with; LAC objectives – What are we here for? Review of the legislative process – a refresher course! SNA legislative core team Lobbying strategies for congressional visits LAC is the most intense, single focused conference we have. The program is intended to give you a broad perspective and bi-partisan views. At times you may feel overwhelmed with information and maybe even confused by the differing points of view presented. That’s OK! The information will help you better understand where others may differ from our association focus and why…and each of you makes a difference in this process.

LAC Objectives Bring together child nutrition professionals who believe that feeding children is a cornerstone of a positive education experience Promote that national nutrition standards is the right of every child –equal access Ensure adequate funding for school meals Utilize the power of partnerships to achieve positive results The objectives of the SNA Legislative Action Conference are; To bring together child nutrition professionals who believe that feeding children is a cornerstone of a positive education experience. To promote national nutrition standards. Children in Iowa, California, or Maryland need the same nutrient standards for meals. USDA should set and enforce one national nutrition standard for reimbursable school meals. SNA is committed to national nutrition standards – but that comes with a cost. Current funding levels are not adequate to meet the goals of increased fruits/vegetables and whole grains. To utilize the power of partnerships to achieve positive results. Partnerships with Industry and Allied Assn colleagues are invaluable in accomplishing these goals. As we begin setting the stage for the reauthorization of the child nutrition program, this year’s LAC is extremely important to firm up the groundwork of our primary objectives in reauthorization.

How A Bill Becomes Law Introduce the bill Committees Floor Vote Resolutions We are in the first term of the 111th Congress, which began Jan. 3, 2009. What happens when a bill is introduced? Each bill is assigned a number, for example HR 4 - House (same system for bills introduced in the Senate). After the bill is filed, it is assigned to a committee. Standing Committee: Committees are regular, permanent units. They speed-up the legislative process and assure the best possible consideration of a bill. Committees are fairly specialized and are divided further into sub-committees that deal in very specific areas. What Committees look at Child Nutrition Programs? In the House, the Committee on Education & Workforce and the Agriculture Committee. In the Senate, the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. Committee action determines the fate of a bill. Usually, if a committee does not report a bill to the floor of the House or Senate, the bill is considered defeated. Once the bill passes both the House and Senate, it must go to the President, who vetoes or signs the bill (10 days to veto). Congress may override the president’s veto with a majority vote. In addition to bills, resolutions may be introduced. Joint resolutions are frequently used in place of a bill. They require the action of both Houses and become law in the same way as a bill.

Child Nutrition Programs Permanently Authorized - Funded Reauthorization Discretionary Vehicle for change What are the Child Nutrition Programs? We generally think of child nutrition programs as being only those programs we deal with in our local districts. But CN programs impact all of us! Some programs are permanently authorized (the NSLP and NSBP) and others must be reauthorized (usually every 4-5 years). On June 7, 2004 President George W. Bush signed into law PL 108-265 The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Congressional session # first, then sequence signed by Pres. second). This amends the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 through 2009. Some items from reauthorization can make small impacts on our programs (ex: milk choices) – others can create huge changes – as in wellness programs. Reauthorization is our opportunity to be a vehicle for change – it’s where we can develop our ideas and suggestions for programs/issues/funding that will enhance our program. Even though our lunch and breakfast programs are permanently authorized, reauthorization provides the opportunity to make improvements and changes in how the programs operate. At each LAC, we continue to build on the legislative groundwork of past reauthorization, but also look to the future. This is what make our 2009 LAC so important – we are looking towards the future of child nutrition and preparing for the start of Reauthorization.

SNA’s Legislative Successes Careful strategies – short term & long term Funding Core Team PPL Committee Washington Counsel SNA Legislative Staff SNA PAC How has SNA been successful in it’s legislative efforts? As you know, this is not a hit or miss approach. SNA takes legislation very seriously and includes public policy goals in its long and short range plans. SNA appropriates funds for hiring staff to handle legislation, hiring legal counsel and supporting a very active committee…PP&L, to direct the associations efforts. There are several key people that comprise the legislative team; Marshall Matz from the law firm of Olsson, Frank and Weeda, has represented SNA for over 25 yrs. He is an excellent strategist who knows our association and shares our passion for and belief in the value of national child nutrition programs. He also knows the who’s who inside the Beltway and on the Hill. Roger Szemraj has recently joined in helping SNA with child nutrition issues. He is extremely knowledgeable about child nutrition program and commodities and has been a great help to us. The Chair of the SNA PP & L Committee is Craig Weidel, Area Supervisor of Mesa Unified School District in Arizona. He has demonstrated an active interest in and knowledge of legislative issues and keeps the PPL committee on task and on track! SNA staff…Cathy Schuchart, Staff Vice President of Child Nutrition and Policy;and Erik Peterson, Director of Public Affairs. We can’t say enough about our SNA staff – they truly pour their heart and soul into advocating on our behalf. The SNA PAC plays a very important role in our Legislative efforts – it provides us ACCESS to our elected officials! The goals of PAC are: to educate members of Congress about child nutrition program and to thank the members of Congress who continue to support our programs. (Plug for PAC) Cathy, Erik, Marshall, Roger and the PPL committee all work closely to help steer the course for child nutrition legislation.

Grass Roots Strength Congressional Action Networks Issue Paper Importance of Industry Partners Legislative Information Tools schoolnutrition.org The Daily Mix LAC’s – National & State Our goal is to be pro-active in our legislative activities, rather than re-active. We believe that it is essential to take a grass roots approach. We have gained much respect for our legislative successes using this approach. Our legislative work does not end when LAC is over – it’s just the beginning! Key areas to focus on…. ACTION NETWORKS We must get our SNA members back home to be actively engaged in legislative issues. Organized communication and commitment is key. Each state should develop and maintain a Congressional Action Networks for timely responses to issues. Who here has an active state network? – this can be as easy as sending out a blast e-mail to get members to write letters. (ex: equip funding in stimulus) ISSUE PAPER The Issue Paper is developed by the PPL Committee for SNA to communicate the focus of this LAC. This is our working document for the year. The issue paper is the foundation for all of our legislative efforts throughout the year. INDUSTRY PARTNERS Industry Members are our important allies. STAY INFORMED: We also believe it is essential to keep members informed: Tuesday Morning (on Website) The “daily mix” from SNA – daily news updates Legislative Action Conference and State Legislative Action Conference

Legislative Core Principles Federal funding must be reliable All school children must have access to healthful meals National nutrition standards ensure quality meals Be bi-partisan How are we able to maintain and increase our credibility and how do we build on those foundations this year? Focus on our core principles; Federal funding must be reliable All school children must have access to nutritious meals National nutrition standards must ensure quality meals – uniform standards for all 2. We continue to stay bi-partisan. Sometimes we disagree with both the Democrats and the Republicans. 3. We continue to be very polite, sincere and effective in our visits to congressional members

Getting Ready for The Conference LAC agenda & conference program Know the Issue Paper Be a sponge Attend sessions Take notes Ask questions Develop key messages Now it’s time to begin your preparation by looking at the objectives of the conference; to educate members on the importance of child nutrition programs and provide resource information for discussion about the issue paper. Refer often to your LAC program. This is a very fast paced conference filled with information. You may feel frustrated because you don’t quite understand all of it. Use breaks to ask questions of others from your state who may have been here before. Know the Issue Paper: The issue paper is the single most important document of LAC. During the General Sessions, the issue paper will be reviewed in-depth. There are also key points with the issue paper which provide you with additional information for your use during the Hill visits. Remember that each year you attend, you will have a better understanding of what is happening. Become excited! Read the information in your packet tonight. Jot down questions as you think of them. There will time times for Q & A. Attend sessions! Top level speakers have been scheduled to provide you with the most current, first-hand information possible. Listen and take notes so that you can share this information in state meetings which follow LAC. Prepare key messages with your State group that you will discuss in your “Hill visits”. Be on task and consistent with your messages during your visits.

LAC Conference Program General Sessions Breakout Sessions Protocol Let’s take a few minutes and walk through the conference program so you will become more comfortable with what to expect. General Sessions: Each General Session has a theme. You will hear not only the SNA perspective of the issue paper, but you will hear from USDA, Allied Groups, Hill Staffers on their key issues regarding child nutrition. It’s important and beneficial to have a 360 view of child nutrition programs – you will learn how much in alignment we are on many issues, but also where there may be some differences. (go through each general session/speaker information) Breakout Sessions: The breakout sessions held this morning will assist you in getting your “bearings” for the conference. There are sessions to provide info for our State Agency and Industry partners as well as sessions for not only the first timers but the “seasoned” LAC attendees to refresh their knowledge in grassroots advocacy. Protocol: During General Sessions and the Banquet, there is a protocol for welcoming dignitaries. Please stant and applaud when they approach as well as leave the podium.

Planning the Hill visit State Planning – teaming strategies for success Marble is hard Security You will spend the next day and a half listening and learning in preparation for your Hill visits. State meetings are scheduled after the general session Monday afternoon. This will allow time to review the process for visiting the offices of your Representatives and Senators. (review where they meet) Your state legislative chair has already set up appointments. In many cases these appointments will be with aides responsible for Child Nutrition Programs. Never under-estimate the power of an aide! It is also important to know that the Aide may not be from your State and have no familiarity with any State issues/regulations that impact your program. Your state legislative chair may also have assigned people to teams. Dress professionally for your appointment and wear comfortable shoes. Many of the floors are marble and hard! If you get lost, ask a security guard for directions. Remember to allow time to go through a metal detector as you enter each congressional building from the street entrance. Allow time to arrive at least 5 minutes before the appointment time. Carry the “minimum” with you – a lightweight purse and maybe a small tote bag for your info packets.

The Visit Simple and consistent Share the moment Stay involved in the conversation Study lobbying tips Stay cool and bi-partisan BE ORGANIZED! - BE ON TIME! Keep the message simple and consistent. If the conversation tends to distract you from the issue, stay focused. Speak one-at-a-time as a team. Some teams divide the Issue Paper topics based on which team member is comfortable speaking on the subject – practice during your state meetings on what you are going to say! Have small, engaged groups (generally 3 or4 per team). Stay involved, even if you’re not speaking don’t let your eyes wander!) Read the lobbying tips in the packet and use them (review from packet). Don’t get defensive by a response from the person you are visiting. That person may just be misinformed or truly aren’t knowledgeable – be polite when conveying the correct information. If you are asked a question for which you don’t have an answer, simply say “I don’t have that answer, but will be happy to get it to you.” and DO! Remember to follow-up with a thank-you note and contact information

How to get around D.C. Metro System Congressional Guide Map of Capitol Hill The Metro is very simple and easy to use. From the J.W., you can pick up the Metro at Federal Triangle (give the directions from the hotel to the Metro). Take the Metro to either Capitol South – if your first meetings are with House members. Or, go to Union Station to get to the Senate Office Buildings. Congressional Guide: In your SNA packet is the Congressional Guide – this is your Bible of who’s who in the Congressional Offices (Review the commonly used titles for Congressional Staffers)

POINT OUT THE DIFFERENT OFFICE BUILDINGS AND THE METRO STATIONS Where to grab lunch?? House office cafeterias – they are convenient, but can be crowded. Also try the Supreme Court Cafeteria or Union Station. There are also some small restaurants near the South Metro Station.

After your visit Complete your feedback sheet Thank you notes! Follow up! Feedback sheets need to be turned in to your State Legislative Chair by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening. Write thank you notes!! – do them during down time on Tuesday, or when you get back to the hotel on Tuesday. Mail them before you leave We cannot underestimate the importance of following up LONG AFTER you leave D.C. Open, and consistent lines of communication are invaluable. If you have a special event in your district – send pictures/news clippings to your Senator/Rep. If they have questions – get the answers – or find someone to get the answers for you!

Thank You Notes: Send to the person you met with: Thank them for meeting with you Recap the highlights of the meeting Confirm that you will follow up on information they requested Include your contact information

The Responsibilities of Democracy The power of “one” Speak for those who cannot Be a champion for change Conclusion: Remember, you are the key to the advancement of child nutrition programs. You are the “power of one” and speak for those children in your care who cannot. You have the power to change programs. It has been our pleasure to be with you this morning. We hope it has been helpful. And now before we turn it over to our “Not Ready for Congress Time Actors” – just a few more words…. All of the members of the PPL Committee (name the members of the committee) are happy to offer any personal assistance you may need. If you need to talk about anything we covered this morning – or a topic that comes up in a future session, just stop any PPL committee member. Have a wonderful experience at your first LAC.