Letter from the Chair
By: Julie Vieburg
Senior Manager of Grassroots and Political Advocacy
Land O’ Lakes Inc.
After 15 long months, we are finally seeing a semblance of normality returning. In-person fundraisers are happening. Employees are heading back to the office. Costco is bringing back free samples.
As I start ramping up PAC efforts and resuming in-person political activities, I’m making sure I remember a few key things that I’ve learned.
Zoom levels the playing field. In-person meetings are great – but not everyone has the time or resources to hop on a plane to Washington, D.C. With Zoom, we have been able to virtually connect our executives, dairy farmers and ag retailers to their members of Congress without anyone having to leave their farm or business.
You don’t need to spend a lot to make a lot. Since meeting in-person wasn’t an option for our annual PAC Contributor Thank You Event last summer, we pivoted and did a Zoom meet-up with one of our hometown senators. This was the most successful Thank You Event we’ve ever hosted with quadruple the usual attendance. We even recruited a few new folks to the PAC who had never contributed before.
In the next few months, I’ll start commuting to the office, seeing colleagues in-person and putting on pants with an actual button again. It’s all going to be a bit exhausting, but I know it will also feel great – except maybe the pants. But we’ll all adapt. We did it before, and we can do it again. Speaking of, in the time it has taken me to write this column I’ve received 18 e-mails and two voicemails with fundraising invitations. Nature is healing. [/vc_toggle]
Support Your Community and Take the 2021 Benchmarking Surveys
It’s a complex time to manage a PAC, so it is critical that corporations and associations are equipped with the latest data and trends to show the value of their political involvement. By completing the Corporate or Association PAC Benchmarking Survey, your organization will be supporting the profession and providing valuable insights to improve PAC strategies.
These surveys fuel the profession’s largest and most comprehensive benchmarking reports, which provide trends and data on PAC participation, solicitation and disbursement methods, internal management and governance, leadership involvement, donor benefits, recognition techniques and candidate support strategies.
Thank you in advance for your participation!
Call to Join the 2022 PAC Conference Advisory Committee
It’s hard to believe 2021 is halfway through, and now it’s already time to begin planning the 2022 National PAC Conference. The PAC Conference Advisory Committee plays a key role in the planning process by sharing ideas, providing feedback and helping brainstorm session content and format. The committee members also serve as conference ambassadors, promoting the event and actively participating on site. We will begin virtually meeting in August and welcome anyone who is interested in joining the committee to please reach out by emailing Tori Ellington.
New Council Resource - Strategic Guide to Social Engagement
Based on learnings from our research and executive education programs, the Council has developed a guide for organizations looking to engage in social issues. Every organization has its own culture, character and risk profile, all of which will influence its level of involvement. Our hope is to make the engagement decision easier for leaders, while helping them make a positive impact on society.
The link below will provide companies with both a process and a framework for deciding when and how to engage around controversial, social or political issues.
If you would like to brainstorm processes, share guidelines or discuss strategy with the Council, please feel free to contact Nick DeSarno.
Latest PAC Survey Results - Post Jan. 6 PAC Actions
It has been our mission to provide you with consistent, up–to–date information on how organizations are moving forward following the events of January 6. Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent May 2021 Political Involvement Network survey. This is the third edition of the survey tracking PAC/advocacy trends and activities following January 6. View the survey results below and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Professional Development Series: Sharpen Your Skills and Gain New Perspective
As part of our mission to advance the public affairs profession, we are hosting a series of professional development webinars. These events are designed to foster productive conversations on management tactics, strategic career moves and ways to achieve your personal and team goals. These webinars are free for members so be sure to register!
Managing Up: Leadership Skills for Any Level
August 12, 2021
2 – 3 p.m. ET
Career Transitions: Switching Paths Within the Profession
August 19, 2021
2 – 3 p.m. ET
Unlock the Key to Successful PAC Solicitations
Get Connected - Check out Council Connect
Between return to work, increased PAC activities and plenty of new resources, there is a lot to chat about on Council Connect! It’s our members–only, online community platform designed to help you connect with your community. Log on and post a question, respond to a peer, download a resource or answer one of our poll questions. You’ll find tools like the latest column from Nathan Gonzales, a library of sample work and much more. There is plenty to discover!