[vntd_hero_section images=”68729″ heading_dynamic=”PIN Points: Working Together While Apart” subtitle=”” button1_label=”” bg_overlay=”dark_blue” height=”custom” height_custom=”400″ heading_font_size=”55px” tooltips=”%5B%7B%22tooltip_title%22%3A%22Hello%20there!%22%2C%22tooltip_url%22%3A%22%23%22%2C%22tooltip_placement%22%3A%22top%22%2C%22tooltip_depth%22%3A%220.42%22%7D%5D”]
Letter from the Chair
It feels almost cliché to say that we are living in unprecedented times right now. We are four weeks into stay-at-home orders and social distancing restrictions. Although we may feel disconnected and unproductive, I would argue that we’ve actually accomplished a lot already! In a short time, we have set up home offices and home schools, we’ve mastered the art of virtual meetings, tried new recipes and have adopted daily outdoor exercise routines. Anxiety and stress levels are at an all-time high for many of us as we try to balance the new normal with the challenge of checking in with family, friends, colleagues, donors and advocates. Now, more than ever, we need to stay connected.
- What role is your government relations team playing in your organization’s COVID-19 response and relief efforts? Keep your employees and members apprised of the specific provisions that are relevant to your organization to demonstrate government relations value in these times.
- For those of us with PAC Match programs, consider making a donation to a charity that’s on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Communicate those charitable efforts to your PAC donors and potential donors.
- Remind your employees and members about the Census and how the importance of being counted directly relates to the lawmakers who represent us.
- Primary election dates are changing rapidly. Be a trusted resource for your employees and members to provide timely and accurate voter information resources and share CDC guidance on safe voting options.
The Public Affairs Council and the PIN network are great resources to help all of us navigate these uncharted waters and I encourage you to connect with PIN. Please share your questions, ideas and insights as you work through the next few months. I hope all are staying safe and healthy and I look forward to seeing you at a future event.[/vc_toggle]
COVID-19: Council Response
In recent weeks, our entire professional and personal lives have shifted as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. Regardless of industry or role, this event has presented new challenges for everyone. The Council is here to help you navigate this uncertain time. You can browse all Council resources and updates on our new information page dedicated to COVID-19. This hub will be updated frequently with all Council statements, articles and guidance as well as regular programming with strategies for COVID-19 response.
Check out advice on managing your PAC through uncertain times and be sure to register for our upcoming webinar COVID-19 and the PAC: Management Strategies During a Crisis. If the webinar reaches capacity, be sure to register to dial-in via phone or receive a recording.
At this time, all in-person Council events will either be held virtually or rescheduled, as the safety and health of attendees is our number one priority. Please continue checking our upcoming events page for more information and updates.[/vc_toggle]
Learn, Share, Connect from Home!
Council members – now is the perfect time to log in to Council Connect! Start chatting with your peers, post questions or respond to existing threads via this online, community platform. We are all navigating uncharted territory, and Council Connect is the perfect place to gain insights and troubleshoot with other professionals from the safety of your own home!
Another popular Council Connect feature is our online resource library, where you can browse and download samples and resources in real time. If you are having any issues accessing Council Connect, email [email protected] and a team member will reach out to troubleshoot.
2020 National PAC Conference and Outstanding PAC Award Winners
Thank you to our attendees, speakers, sponsors and everyone else who made the 2020 National PAC Conference a success. We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to come together earlier this year.
The Public Affairs Council was thrilled to once again recognize excellence in the PAC community by honoring the recipients of the Outstanding Corporate and Association PAC Awards. The Williams Companies Inc. (WILLCO PAC) won the corporate category, with PAC Manager June Pennell accepting the award. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA PAC) took home the association award, which was accepted by Director of PAC and Political Affairs Kelsey Odom.
Kelsey Odom realized she was spending too much valuable time on the traditional prior approval process and decided to search for a new approach. She led the charge to completely digitize and streamline the process, saving countless hours and more accurately tracking data.
Click here to learn more about the winners and their PAC success![/vc_toggle]
Certificate in PAC and Grassroots Management
Congratulations to our recent graduates of the certificate in PAC and Grassroots Management program! Eighteen public affairs professionals have completed the Certificate in PAC and Grassroots Management in the past year, and many were recognized at the National PAC Conference in Miami.
The course of study is designed to strengthen your understanding of and expertise in two critical components of any political program: political action committees and grassroots advocacy.
Find more information on the certificate program including an application below.
Complete the 2020 PAC Professional Profile: Salary and Responsibilities Survey
Help us collect data and resources to help YOU. Please complete the Council’s 2020 PAC Professional Profile: Salary and Responsibilities Survey. Your participation will aid us in providing comprehensive data on job responsibilities, time spent on related areas and compensation and bonus information for PAC practitioners.
If you spend at least 50% of your time on PAC-related responsibilities, please take a few moments to complete the survey.