Here we are rolling in strong for our department, and what a year for Legislative!

 

Legislative is the largest ‘why’ of what the VFW stands and advocates for.  It requires seeking, reading, listening, contemplation, discussion, and often internet resources. It is my goal to refresh the awareness and participation in the Legislative Program, to give a greater volume to our voice.

 

 Action Corps is a great tool to access information, participate in a call to action and be informed on current legislative issues.  However, how many of us are reading it often... and reporting it?  How many of us Do Not check our email regular, have email or want to have a computer and email?

  

As Chairmen our job is to know our program, while continuing to learn and grow in it.  We then deliver the information to our members in a way that correctly makes sense to them. I will be your work horse to ‘Cliff Note’ the legislative happenings and send it to you.  Yes, in an article, but also directly as a communication to your Secretary, President and Legislative Chairman.  From serving as your past Department Hospital Chairman, I have a decent understanding of their communication preferences.  If they do not use email, I will mail it by post.  Attached will be a complementary blank monthly report form to complete during or at the end of your meeting.  Please allocate a member to track the time taken to read it and discussion that follows it; then multiply it by the number of members present.  Please add additional legislative projects that you are aware of for that month or past month (label which one), then send it my way.

  

Voting counts.  Reading up on measures and agendas counts. Watching legislative hearings counts. Contacting local and state legislators on behalf of veteran and family benefits is key and very much counts. Promoting any candidate or party does not. Reporting your time and projects legitimizes and delivers it home for our department.

 

 This year’s National Challenge is to: participate in an event with your VFW Post to connect members with local law makers. Plan in, work it, report and tell me about it.  Then complete and send me your Award No. 1 to submit to National. 

 

 Please refer to the contents page of this year’s Department Legislative Program made by yours truly. It will include multiple key resources including Award No.1, and a tracker sheet for contacting Legislators.  It is my goal to make it easy for you to know what is going on, therefore stronger to advocate for our Veterans and their Families through Legislative action.  Let's work this program with strength and consistency.  Remember: "Knowing is half the battle.”- GI Joe