Preparing for Mid-Winter Conference

Benefits Protection Team Leader Workshop

PREPARING FOR DAV MID-WINTER CONFERENCE

Work with Department to schedule DCmeetings with members of Congress Some Departments use a centralized location for the

meeting

Prepare your team for Hill meetings with DAV’s“Critical Policy Goals” documents* A preview of this year’s Critical Policy Goals

is on DAV’s website

Establish a spokesperson for each meeting Coordinate with members not coming to DC Encourage them to schedule local meetings Or make phone calls Provide DAV’s “Critical Policy Goals”

Sample Meeting Request Letters available on website!

Role of Benefit Protection Team Leader (BPTL)

*Critical Policy Goals will be posted to website prior to Mid-Winter at dav.org/events/midwinter

PERSONAL CONTACT WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS

Prepare for Your Visit

Provide Critical Policy Goals ahead of time

Pick a knowledgeable spokesperson

Know your issues

Stay On Message

Be friendly, be concise, and be NONPARTISAN

For a full set of guidelines, check our website at dav.org/dav-benefits-protection-team/

WHEN MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

• Assistance With Claims and Appeals• Transitional Services• Rides to VA Medical Facilities• Job Fairs• Educational Seminars• Disaster Relief• Information Seminars• Scholarships• And so much more…

Emphasize DAV programs and services…

These numbers can all be found on the back of the Critical Policy Goals!

DAV CRITICAL POLICY GOALS 2020

• Toxic Exposure

• Enhance Family and Survivor Benefits

• Implementation of MISSION Act

• Strengthen Veterans’ Mental Health Care and Suicide Prevention Programs

• Women Veterans

Each year DAV provides critical policy goals for the organization:

MID-WINTER CRITICAL MEETINGS• Be sure to attend the BPT & Legislative Workshop to

receive up to date information on critical policy goalsand key legislation

• During Mid-Winter, the DAV National Commanderdelivers a legislative presentation to a joint session ofthe House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee

• Be sure to attend this important hearing to show yoursupport for DAV’s legislative program

POST-MEETING ETIQUETTE

Thank elected officials or staffers for their time

Include a brief synopsis of the critical policy goals

If you promised to give additional information that was previously unavailable, follow up

Share a copy of DAV commander’s testimony*

Do not forget to complete the after action report for national legislative department**

*testimony will be posted on dav.org/learn-more/legislation/testimony/**Congressional After Action Report available at the BPTL Seminar

QUESTIONS?CONTACT YOUR NATIONAL

LEGISLATIVE STAFF202.554.3501

Joy J. IlemNational Legislative Director

jilem@dav.org

Shane L. LiermannDeputy National Legislative Director for Benefits

sliermann@dav.org

Adrian M. AtizadoDeputy National Legislative Director

aatizado@dav.org

Jeremy M. VillanuevaAssistant National Legislative Director

jvillanueva@dav.org

Marquis BarefieldAssistant National Legislative Director

mbarefield@dav.org