1. 2004 National Agricultural Education Inservice “Grassroots Networks – The Basics” Wm. Jay Jackman, Ph.D., CAE Executive Director National Association of Agricultural Educators

2. Grassroots Network or Grassroots Program …an on-going, organized system of recruiting, educating, and motivating members to use their political power to influence legislation.

3. Grassroots Program It’s organized Members are recruited and educated and motivated The goal is influence

4. Why is a Grassroots Program Important? LobbyistsPosition Papers PACsMedia Campaigns These are all great. However…

5. 1.the people who vote for them 2.the people who give them money to run campaigns Elected officials are motivated by:

6. Support from Leadership An organization’s leadership (volunteer and staff) must provide the support for the grassroots effort and constantly promote the grassroots effort and recruit new participants.

7. Types of Grassroots Programs QuantitativeQuantitative – get an many voters as you can to be involved QualitativeQualitative – target a few members who have special relationships with the elected officials Third-party ProgramsThird-party Programs – coalitions with other organizations (multiplier effect) Can do all at once

8. Member Education – Essential Elements The overall goals of the government relations program Their role in the program and why it is important for them to be involved How the legislative process works

9. How they can develop and maintain effective relationships with legislators and staff How they can communicate effectively with elected officials The importance of legislative staff The major legislative issues of the day affecting the association and its membership Member Education – Essential Elements (continued)

10. Communications with Members Newsletters Position papers Internet/Web Site Toll-free Telephone Number Staff Calls Action Alerts

11. Other Components of a Grassroots Program Attend town hall meetings Invite elected officials to a local event Use an advisory group Host a fund-raiser (individuals – not the association) Volunteer in a campaign Make campaign contributions (at least $250 per contribution)

12. Personal Visits with Elected Officials Be flexible – you may not get to see the elected official, but staff are very important Do multiple visits in multiple settings – don’t talk about the same issue every time (don’t be a pest) Offer to serve as a resource person on related issues Be prepared Establish a common denominator (begin with something you agree on) Be concise, specific, and clear Be reasonable

13. Personal Visits with Elected Officials (continued) Localize the issue Acknowledge, but don’t denigrate, the opposition Provide written materials (briefings, not dissertations) Close the sale Say “thank you” Follow up promptly Report immediately

14. Communications Other than Personal Visits Phone Calls Faxed Letters E-mail Messages Regular Mailed Letters (uncertain these days) Express Mailed Letters (also somewhat uncertain)

15. Current Issues with Perkins FY 2004 Appropriations FY 2005 Executive Budget Reauthorization

16. Budget and Appropriations Process Executive Budget – delivered to Congress First Monday in February Budget Resolution – Congress must complete by April 15 Allocations to Appropriations Committees – from the Budget Committee (602a allocations). 14 appropriations committees and lots of subcommittees – subcommittees get their allocations from the appropriations committees (602b allocations) When appropriations bills don’t get completed by the end of the fiscal year, Congress passes a continuing resolution until the approps bills are completed. In some years, Congress will pass an omnibus approps bill to replace individual approps bills.

17. Inservice “Advocacy” Track Three Sessions: National – Kim Green State – Dr. Dave Hall Local – Roger Teeple, et al

18. Inservice “Advocacy” Track Special Session: Bob Heuvel

19. 2004 National Agricultural Education Inservice Have a great conference!