navy league of the united states energizing legislative affairs participation at the council level

NLUS Grassroots Legislative Affairs, Learning Track 3, Don Giles,

06.20.20131

Navy League of the United StatesNavy League of the United StatesEnergizing Legislative Affairs Energizing Legislative Affairs

Participation at the Council LevelParticipation at the Council Level

Don Giles

Co-Chairman, Legislative Affairs Committee

770-509-3772 [email protected]

NLUS Grassroots Legislative Affairs, Learning Track 3, Don Giles, 06.20.2013 2

TopicsTopics

Need for an Energized Grassroots Legislative Affairs Effort Advantages and Risks for Councils Current Organization Council VP Legislative Affairs Duties and Responsibilities Requirements for Council VPLA Council Best Practices for Success Need for more Council-level Volunteers Use of Region A-Team and Alternate Procedures Metrics for Success What this Means to our Maritime Services


We Need an Energized Grassroots EffortWe Need an Energized Grassroots Effort

NLUS Purpose: Educate Citizens, including Members of Congress

Fewer Members of Congress have served in the military (84 of 435 in House; 19 of 100 in Senate)

Expand involvement of local councils with Legislative Affairs and local MOCs

Demonstrate Constituent Interest at grassroots Council member’s concern is perceived as an

independent view, not the output of a lobbying effort in Washington

Major challenges facing our Sea Services today


Major Sea Services challenges that can be Major Sea Services challenges that can be addressed locally include:addressed locally include:

The size and makeup of our naval forces – --are we configured to win the current war and continue to plan for future potential conflicts?

Expansion of the duties of the Coast Guard after 9/11 and the need for adequate resources.

The continuing decline in the US-flagged merchant fleet. Encroachment on existing military installations and it’s negative

effect on training and readiness. The impact of severe defense department budget cuts on our Sea

Services. Budget Control Act, Sequestration, Continuing Resolutions Environmental Restrictions impacting training and operations


Advantages and Risks for CouncilsAdvantages and Risks for Councils

Enables the council member to get to know the representative’s local staff, but

Risks: 1. Need for high quality presentation materials 2. Delivered by council members in a confident,

professional manner Presenters:

1. Able to answer questions2. Stay within prescribed boundaries if asked for more

information Council member must also follow a protocol for planning

a MOC Visit Training is required for each Presentation


Current OrganizationCurrent Organization

National VP for Legislative Affairs 15 Regional Vice Presidents for LA Council VP LA or LA Committee Chair LA Steering Committee; Meets Monthly LA Committee (LA SC and RVPs); Meets Monthly Staff Support:

1. Staff Vice President, Governmental Operations & Administration

2. Senior Director of Mission Focused Programs


Region Vice President for Legislative AffairsRegion Vice President for Legislative Affairs

Peer of the Area President Reports directly to the Region President, with a “dotted line”

relationship with the National VP, LA for all content The NVP, LA concurs in the selection of the RVP each year Experience requirements include: (1) current or former senior NL

officer or (2) a proven legislative affairs expert Is the legislative affairs expert for the region Responsible for gaining commitments to make MOC visits, ensure

that those visits occur using approved materials Arranges required MOC visit training for Presenters Attends required monthly meetings of all RVPs and turns in required

monthly Region Grassroots Reports Time commitment of 3-4 hours per week


Council VP Legislative Affairs Council VP Legislative Affairs Duties and ResponsibilitiesDuties and Responsibilities

Promotes a successful legislative affairs program for that Council.

Reports directly to the Council President, with a “heavy dotted line” reporting relationship to the Regional Vice President for Legislative Affairs.

This individual will be selected by the Council President, after receiving concurrence by the Regional Vice President for Legislative Affairs to ensure the needed qualifications are met.


Requirements for Council VPLARequirements for Council VPLA

Have a clear interest in a strong legislative affairs program

Excellent communications skills Basic computer skills Work the needed hours Incur minor expenses Attend the legislative affairs training program Participate in periodic telephone and Email

communications with the Regional VPLA


Council Best Practices for SuccessCouncil Best Practices for Success

Active involvement by Council President Assignment of a highly regarded leader as the Council VP who

is willing and able to spend the needed time each month Clearly assign accountability to Council officers for making the

MOC visits Monthly communications with the Region VPLA with those

assigned for making visits Ensure that personnel assigned to make visits have had needed

Grassroots training Complete Legislative Contact Reports after MOC Visits Keep region leaders apprised of key legislative affairs matters Communicate with Council Members (News Letter, Email, Calls

to Action regarding key issues and legislation


Using Using ““A-TeamsA-Teams”” for Visits for Visits with Members of Congresswith Members of Congress

A-Team Alternate Procedures are used when:1. A Grassroots MOC Visit becomes too difficult due to the

MOC’s schedule, 2. The local Council is not available to support “Grassroots” MOC

Visits, or,3. The Congressional District is too remote from a participating

Navy League Council.

A-Team optimally consists of 3 NL members:1. Manager, 2. Scheduler, and 3. One additional person (ideally, a constituent of the MOC being

visited).


Acceptable Alternate Procedures Acceptable Alternate Procedures MOC BriefsMOC Briefs

Acceptable Alternate Procedures MOC Briefs 1. Staff Brief and MOC Photo Opportunity2. Staff Briefing by Video Conference and MOC Photo Op

3. Staff Presentation Only Brief must be made to a qualified staff member:

1. Chief of Staff, or2. Legislative Director, or3. Military Affairs Legislative Assistant (MLA), or

Local Staff:1. State Director (Senate), or 2. District Director (House),


Region A-Team Building Region A-Team Building and Planning Essentialsand Planning Essentials

PSW Region A-Team Building Session– Saturday, June 23– 1;00 p.m.– Equity Room– Led by Jim Bras, Tim Hunsberger, Jeanie Coffey

Representatives from other Regions are invited– Please attend

A-Team Training Workshop under development

NLUS Grassroots Legislative Affairs, Learning Track 3, Don Giles,

06.20.201314

GrassrootsGrassroots Legislative AffairsLegislative AffairsMetrics for SuccessMetrics for Success


LA Metrics for SuccessLA Metrics for SuccessSupport 8 Goals of 2013 LA Strategic PlanAccomplish objectives of LA Action Plan Attend scheduled Orientation and TrainingVisit MOC every 9-12 monthsUse LA Presentations (4) as core messagesCollect and Report MOC Visit DataUse A-Team Alternate Procedures when

neededAchieve LA MOC Visit Goals for 2013


Our Primary Products:Our Primary Products:

In Line with NLUS Maritime Policy 4 Power Point Presentations for MOCs

1. P1 USN Requirements2. P2 USCG Requirements3. P3 USMM Requirements4. P4 USMC Requirements

Q & As to support each presentation Legislative Agenda: Priority Sea Services

Programs


Legislative Affairs Training Legislative Affairs Training Monthly 3:00 p.m. (EST) Conference CallMonthly 3:00 p.m. (EST) Conference Call

Field Leader Orientation - 1st Thursday RVP Training – 3rd Thursday Presenter Training: 1. Presentation One – 1st Tuesday 2. Presentation Two – 2nd Tuesday 3. Presentation Three – 3rd Tuesday 4. Presentation Four – 4th Tuesday Alternate Procedures Workshop – As Needed LA Training at Region & Area Meetings Senior Director of Mission Focused Programs (Bill Waylett) Additional Orientation by LA Committee Co-Chairmen


Legislative Affairs Strategic PlanLegislative Affairs Strategic Plan

for 2013for 2013 Supports National NLUS Strategic PlanLA Strategic Goal under Education is:

To educate and inform members of Congress on the importance of a strong Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine

8 Legislative Affairs Goals

Navy League of the United StatesNavy League of the United StatesLegislative Affairs CommitteeLegislative Affairs Committee

2013 Legislative Affairs Strategic Plan2013 Legislative Affairs Strategic Plan1 January 20131 January 2013

GOAL NUMBER ONEIncrease the number of LA Presentations at MOC Appointments to 80 during 2013.

Support our Grassroots Legislative Affairs objective to visit at least 60% of all Members of Congress a minimum of every two years.

GOAL NUMBER TWO

Complete assignment of all 535 MOCs to NLUS Members who will accept responsibility to actively communicate and seek Grassroots Appointments with the

assigned MOCs.

GOAL NUMBER THREEForm at least four new Region “A Teams” and target completion of at least 50% of the

participating regions’ MOC Visits goals using Alternate Procedures.

GOAL NUMBER FOUREffectively train new Legislative Affairs Team Members and Council Presidents.

(Continued in next slide)

Navy League of the United StatesNavy League of the United StatesLegislative Affairs CommitteeLegislative Affairs Committee

2013 Legislative Affairs Strategic Plan2013 Legislative Affairs Strategic Plan1 January 20131 January 2013

GOAL NUMBER FIVEFocus grassroots attention toward effective support of the NLUS “Call to Action” to

stop sequestration detrimental impact on the DOD Budget.

GOAL NUMBER SIXEffectively support Sea-Air-Space Exposition by inviting attendance by Members

of Congress that are assigned to key Congressional Committees.

GOAL NUMBER SEVENReview and update all four Legislative Affairs Presentations and Questions and

Answers and promulgate to Legislative Affairs Region VPs NLT April 30.

GOAL NUMBER EIGHTReview content and Automate Legislative Affairs Reports.

Note: See Legislative Affairs Action Plan for detailed objectives that support these goals.


Regions Goal Matrix for 2013Regions Goal Matrix for 2013

REGION (RVP in parentheses) Number of MOCs

P1 MOC VISIT GOALS FOR

2013


2013


2013


2013

TOTAL MOC VISIT GOALS

FOR 2013

EMPIRE (Bing) 38 3 0 0 0 3FLORIDA (Sullivan) 25 3 2 0 0 5GREAT LAKES (Wilson) 65 5 1 0 0 6LIBERTY (Bozdech-Vaeter) 59 3 0 0 0 3LONESTAR (Hunsberger) 34 11 1 0 0 12MID-ATLANTIC (Werbowetski) 28 5 0 0 0 5MIDWEST (Cook) 58 3 2 2 0 7NEW ENGLAND (Olson, Lind) 27 2 2 0 0 4NORTHWEST (VACANT) 28 3 0 0 0 3PACIFIC (Ruebrook) 4 4 0 0 0 4PACIFIC CENTRAL (Hobart) 26 3 0 0 0 3PACIFIC SW (5 Area Presidents) 44 2 2 0 0 4ROCKY MTN (Lockwood) 22 2 2 2 0 6SOUTH ATLANTIC (Giles) 40 1 3 3 4 11SOUTHERN (Reese, Pruter) 37 2 2 0 0 4

NLUS National Total 535 52 17 7 4 80


Data Collection and ReportingData Collection and Reporting

Legislator Contact ReportRegional Status Reports (P1, P2, P3, P4)Monthly Region VPLA ReportMonthly LA Summary ReportChronological MOC Visit ReportMOC Voting Record on Key Legislation


Legislator Contact FormLegislator Contact Form

Date_______________ Region VP for Leg Affairs ___________________________

Type of Contact: PHONE LETTER EMAIL PERSONAL

MEETING Council(s)

Name_________________________________________________________

Area/Region

____________________________________________________________

Council Attendees

_______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

_______________ Member of Congress visited

________________________________________________ Issue(s)

Addressed________________________________________________________

Please circle the appropriate response Is follow up by NLUS National necessary – YES NO If YES, please

explain: _____ _______________________________________________________________

________ _______________________________________________________________

________

Date when follow-up is needed if applicable:___________________________________

Who to follow up with (i.e. Member of Congress, Staff, etc.)

______________________ Was Member of Congress supportive of issue(s) - YES NO,

comments:_____________ _______________________________________________________________

________ _______________________________________________________________

________ _______________________________________________________________

________ Please e-mail or fax this report to your Region Vice President for Legislative

Affairs.


Grassroots Regional Status Report DataGrassroots Regional Status Report Data1. MOC Identification

a. State & Senator or District Numberb. MOC Namec. NLUS Member (Yes/No)

2. Responsibility Assignmenta. Councilb. Member & Date Assignedc. Presenter (in parens, if not same as Member)

3. Date of First Contact (MM/DD/YY)

4. Additional Contact Dates

5. Presentation to MOC (or Photo Op) Completion Date (Include Date, Presenter, and other attendees)

6. MOC Reaction to Presentation; Comments

7. Annotate if MOC is on a Priority Committee (HASC, SASC, HAC, SAC, HHSC, H-T&I, S-CS&T)

8. Date of any Alternate Procedure Presentation To Staff (Include

Name, Title); Misc. Info; Comments


Grassroots LA National Summary ReportsGrassroots LA National Summary Reports(One for each of four Services Presentations)(One for each of four Services Presentations)

1. Region and Region VP’s Name

2. Last Region Report DATE

3. NUMBER OF MOC’S assigned to Region

4. % MOCs Assigned to NLUS Member

5. % First Contact made with MOC

6. % of MOCs given the Presentation

7. New MOC Visits since last report

8. NEW MOC Visits Year to Date


What NL LAs Means to What NL LAs Means to our Maritime Servicesour Maritime Services

The Maritime Services Chiefs have publicly acknowledged the importance and expressed appreciation for our grassroots support.

Members of Congress have directly referenced content in our presentations in public statements.

…our message is having a positive impact Our message can advocate for vital resources

important to prudent national defense when the Services must work within approved budget submissions.


Back-up SlidesBack-up Slides


Next Step PrioritiesNext Step Priorities (Established at last LA Committee Meeting)(Established at last LA Committee Meeting)

Fill vacant RVP positions NLT Nov 1 Build Region Legislative Affairs Plans for success

in 2013: Initial Workshop today Recruit more council-level volunteers Complete assignment of all Members of Congress

to volunteer Navy League members NLT Jan 15 Build new “A-Teams” where RP and RVP need to

use “Alternate Procedures” NLT Feb 15


Other Legislative Affairs CoordinationOther Legislative Affairs Coordination

NLUS Maritime Policy Statement is our core message Legislative Affairs Advisory Board: Chairman: Sheila McNeill “Pizza Briefs”: “This series of Navy League supported presentations is the cornerstone of our

information dissemination to the majority of Congressional offices. …Grassroots Navy League efforts to spread that message are a crucial element in ensuring your Navy remains at the forefront…”

CAPT Andy "Slim" Whitson Director, Navy House Liaison

“Given the many demands on the schedules of Congressional staff, the support of the Navy League is vital in ensuring that target audience is present to receive the Navy message.”

LT Jonathan G. Wachtel, Navy Liaison Officer, Office of Legislative Affairs, U. S. House of Representatives


Best Practices for Region Success:Best Practices for Region Success:

Active involvement by each Region President Assignment of a highly regarded leader as the RVP who is willing and

able to spend the needed time each week Clearly assign accountability to Area or Council officers for making the

MOC visits Use of “A-Teams” and “alternative” guidelines, if Areas or Councils are

either unable or unwilling to make the visits Rigorous monthly follow-up by the RVP with those assigned for

making visits Ensure that personnel assigned to make visits have had needed

Grassroots training Complete needed region grassroots reports monthly; send them to

region officers to keep everyone on track Keep region leaders apprised of key legislative affairs matters


Brief Overview of Program HistoryBrief Overview of Program History

Initiated in 2004 Prior to this initiative, only 15% of councils

were actively involved with legislative affairs Now: 47% of councils have been involved 403 total MOC Visits to date Goal is 60% minimum MOC contact Revisit annually; not less than every 2 years 185 MOCs in 212 Congress visited (35%) 301 NLUS Presentations to MOCs in 212th

Congress


Grassroots Organization ChartGrassroots Organization Chart


Navy Navy LeagueLeague of the United of the United StatesStates

Any Standing Committee NVP Any Standing Committee NVP

Communication lines

Support lines

Organization lines

33


Navy League of the United Navy League of the United StatesStates

Any Working Committee NVP Any Working Committee NVP

Communication lines

Support lines

Organization lines

34

navy league of the united states energizing legislative affairs participation at the council level

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