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

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

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Personalize the Relationship * Legion Family Network Establish a Relationship – Getting Acquainted

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

Strengthening Ties with Congressional Offices * Open Communications * Serve as a resource for the staff Cultivate the relationship – educating and assisting

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

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

Strengthening Ties with Congressional 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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Legislative Briefing Any Questions?