L. Tammy Duckworth, VA Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs National Fair Housing Policy Conference “Strategies for Effective

L. Tammy Duckworth, VA Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

National Fair Housing Policy Conference “Strategies for Effective Marketing, Education and Outreach to Underserved Communities”

July 21, 2010

Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

Develop and direct all external and internal communication

Spokesperson Media Relations Outreach and Marketing Lead Manage VA’s relationships with all levels

of government, elected officials, US Territories, Native American tribal governments, and other groups serving Veterans


Mission The Office of Public and Intergovernmental

Affairs (OPIA) builds confidence in the Department of Veterans Affairs and its readiness to serve America’s Veterans of all generations. OPIA accomplishes this by developing, maintaining and communicating the Department’s message through media relations and public, intergovernmental and Veteran engagement to empower Veterans and their families.

Spokesperson Get accurate message out to public through

earned media Clear, consistent messaging Respond to ALL inquiries

Promotes services/benefits/events Media advisories, releases, letters, op-eds,

marketing materials, interviews Has 7 Regional Public Affairs Offices


Media Products VAnguard Magazine VA News The American Veteran PSAs Special videos and publications Available for all VA Offices and

Administrations to use



National Programs and Special Events Winter Sports Clinic Wheelchair Games Golden Age Games Creative Arts Festival Summer Sports Clinic TEE Tournament Veterans Day Ceremony

Serves as the VA Liaison to: The White House Office of Public

Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs Executive Branch Departments and

Agencies’ Intergovernmental Affairs Offices State, County, and Local Governments and

elected officials; US Territories and their elected leaders; Native American Tribal Governments and Tribal Leaders; and all of the Associations representing them


Homeless Veterans Program Provides national direction and coordination

for all Departmental activities to serve homeless Veterans.

Serves as principal liaison to the U.S. Interagency Council for Homelessness (USICH).

Monitors VA homeless program outcomes and makes recommendations when programs don’t meet their goals.


Consumer Affairs Program Provides guidance, direction, and assistance to

those trying to resolve issues regarding VA benefits and services

Goal is to settle the matter by working with other VA entities, other governmental agencies, state & local officials, etc.

International Affairs Serves as the Department’s liaison to all foreign

governments, leaders, and visitors Coordinates all of VA activities involving foreign

governments and visiting dignitaries


National Outreach Coordinating all of VA’s outreach activities

for the first time in the department’s history.

Working with the administrations and staff offices to develop and implement a One-VA outreach plan that reflects the Secretary’s goal of expanding access to VA services.

Leveraging technology and partnerships to maximize VA’s outreach efforts.



Main Goal = to educate and empower Veterans and their families through proactive outreach and effective advocacy so that they can navigate the system easily and quickly

A centralized corporate structure will improve efficiency and quality with the increased oversight and coordination of all VA outreach activities

Documents

L. Tammy Duckworth, VA Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs National Fair Housing Policy Conference “Strategies for Effective