1. Encourage, Empower, & Engage How Parent Clubs Can Successfully Organize and Mobilize a Successful Grassroots Program By Phil M. Guidry, J.D. Director, Registration Development (Former Legislative Analyst)

2. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 2 “The purebred dog community is suffering from a legislative assault that continues to threaten the very existence of our dogs and our way of life as responsible dog breeders and owners.” At least hypothetically, the clubs you represent have members in every state. TAKEAWAY: Members’ interests are Clubs’ interests. Duty to protect? Why You Should Care

3. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 3 Active Model: –Direct Lobbying –Opinion Letters/White Papers/Media Outreach Educational Model: –Inform Members –Encourage Members TAKEAWAY: Clubs Can Design the Best Program to Meet Its, and Its Members’, needs. There’s No One Perfect Model for Parent Club Legislative Activity

4. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 4 Key Features of Successful Grassroots Program

5. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 5 Committee? One go-to person? Cursory Interest will be Dwarfed by the Scope and Diversity of the Workload – Must Get Obsessed People to Do This Work. TAKEAWAY: Find and deputize your law/politics geeks. Key 1: Organization

6. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 6 Must Be Compelling. Frequency Balance. “Transformational” instead of “Transactional” Messenger. TAKEAWAY: Compelling, relationship-building messaging fosters team mentality. Key 2: Messaging

7. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 7 E-mails and Groups Social Networks (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) Readily-available information: AKC.org’s Legislation Tracking Page; naiaonline.org. TAKEAWAY: Many free technologies available; use what you decide is best. Key 3: Technology

8. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 8 E-mails and Groups Social Networks (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) Readily-available information: AKC.org’s Legislation Tracking Page; naiaonline.org. TAKEAWAY: Many free technologies available; use what you decide is best. Key 3: Technology

14. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 14

15. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 15 E-mails and Groups Social Networks (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) Readily-available information: AKC.org’s Legislation Tracking Page; naiaonline.org. TAKEAWAY: Many free technologies available; use what you decide is best. Key 3: Technology

18. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 18

22. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 22 E-mails and Groups Social Networks (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) Readily-available information: AKC.org’s Legislation Tracking Page; naiaonline.org. TAKEAWAY: Many free technologies/services available; use what you decide is best. Key 3: Technology

23. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 23 Foster “Commitment Intensity” Move from Behind the Computer Screen to Face-to-Face Interactions with Decision Makers. TAKEAWAY: Goal is to Develop a Mobilized Army of Grassroots Influencers. Key 4: Motivation Beyond Emails

24. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 24 AKC National Animal Interest Alliance State Federations Other Agricultural Groups Other Groups Opposed to Radical Ideology TAKEAWAY: Utilize Strategic Tools Available; Be Part of the Multiple-Interest Team. Key 5: Strategic Alliances

25. © 2010 The American Kennel Club, Inc. Page 25 Members’ interests are Clubs’ interests. Duty to protect? Clubs Can Design the Best Program to Meet Its, and Its Members’, needs. Find and deputize your law/politics geeks. Compelling, relationship-building messaging fosters team mentality. Many free technologies/services available; use what you decide is best. Goal is to Develop a Mobilized Army of Grassroots Influencers. Utilize Strategic Tools Available; Be Part of the Multiple-Interest Team. TAKEAWAYS

26. American Kennel Club Government Relations Dept. 8051 Arco Corporate Drive Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27617-3390 (919) 816-3720 doglaw@akc.org