To view this mail in a browser, copy http://links.mkt2242.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MjY2NjQxOQS2&r=MTUyMzYxMzgxOTQS1&j=NzU5MDY1MTkS1&mt=1&rt=0 into your browser. American Kennel Club’s Taking Command
To make sure you continue receiving AKC emails, please add enews@akc.org mailto:enews@akc.org to your email address book. August 2009
Director’s Letter
August is a wonderful month. Kids are out of school, families take vacations, friends gather for picnics and barbeques - and most of your legislators are back in their home districts. By August, most state representatives have completed their yearly work at the state’s Capitol and are looking towards legislative goals for next year’s session. Your Federal representatives are also back home - one of the longest district work periods they have all year.
This is an ideal time to meet with your state and federal representatives. If there are representatives you haven’t met before, call and make an appointment to stop by and introduce yourself. A first meeting should be no more than 10-15 minutes. If you already have a working relationship with your legislator, stop by to renew the acquaintance.
Introducing yourself and establishing a friendly relationship with a politician before legislation is pending is one of the best ways to develop access to your policymakers when you need it later on.
Here are some helpful suggestions to keep in mind when meeting with a public official:
Prepare yourself by going to your legislator’s website to learn about their interests and bills they’ve been involved in. If you are informed, you will make a better impression. If they’ve done something you like (even if it’s not related to dogs), be sure to mention that in your meeting.
When you meet with them, dress in a business or business-casual manner. Even if you aren’t a fan of your legislator, this is a sign of your respect for their office.
If you prefer to not go alone, bring a friend or other club member who is also a constituent. Politicians love to meet new constituents!
Keep the message positive. Tell them a little about yourself and the dogs you own.
Tell them about your club and the activities that your club participates in, including any educational or service-oriented projects and programs. If possible, invite your representative to attend an upcoming club event or meeting. Perhaps your representative would even be interested in presenting an award at an upcoming event.
Provide your representative with your contact information and a few select materials about your local club and the AKC. Examples of good materials to provide include AKC’s Above and Beyond http://links.mkt2242.com/ctt?kn=18&m=2666419&r=MTUyMzYxMzgxOTQS1&b=2&j=NzU5MDY1MTkS1&mt=1&rt=0, Deed not Breed http://links.mkt2242.com/ctt?kn=20&m=2666419&r=MTUyMzYxMzgxOTQS1&b=2&j=NzU5MDY1MTkS1&mt=1&rt=0, and The Economic Benefits of Dog Shows http://links.mkt2242.com/ctt?kn=10&m=2666419&r=MTUyMzYxMzgxOTQS1&b=2&j=NzU5MDY1MTkS1&mt=1&rt=0 brochures. As a local dog expert, offer to serve as a resource if a dog-related issue comes up in the future. More often than not, legislators will be very grateful for this information and the assistance you can provide.
Most legislators don’t know a lot about dogs or dog sports. This is your chance to give them a good first impression of dog breeders and fanciers. For more information about meeting with your representatives and current legislation, I invite you to visit the AKC Government relations web pages.
Enjoy the summer and be sure take this opportunity to meet with your legislators. Both you and your legislators will be glad you did!
All the best,
Sheila Goffe Director of Government Relations