Introduce yourself and the members (if any) of your committee. Include:

• The address, phone number and email address where you can be reached.
• Your legislative/political experience.

Purpose of APIC “The mission of APIC is to actively promote the involvement of agents and advisors in the election of candidates for local, state and national office, consistent with the legislative interests of the NAIFA federation; and to identify and foster the creation of significant insurance agent and financial advisor relationships with elected officials.”

Discuss Objectives of APIC

• To identify and/or develop constituent contacts for all members of Congress and appoint a Federal Coordinator for each member of Congress.
• To involve association members in federal legislative issues under the direction of the NAIFA Government Relations Committee.
• To encourage local chapter members to participate in national, state and local campaign organizations.
• To communicate with and educate association members on the importance of political involvement.
• To establish effective communications between APIC contacts and NAIFA’s Government Relations Team.
• To recognize achievement of political involvement and measure results.

APIC Contact System

• Explain the contact system.
• Describe the types of contacts; review contact rating structure.
• Stress importance of filling out APIC Grassroots Contact Forms and send the information to the APIC office at NAIFA.
• Explain contact responsibilities.

Local Association Participation in APIC

• Discuss role of local APIC chairs and review responsibilities.
• Explain how to build solid, long-term relationships with congressional district office staff.
• Discuss guidelines for district office visits.

In-District Meetings Between Advisors and Members of Congress

• Explain the purpose of meetings between NAIFA members and members of Congress in the district.
• Describe the duties of Federal Coordinators and the creation of Constituent Groups.
• Stress the importance of Federal Coordinators and others reporting their meetings to NAIFA via APIC District Meeting Response Form available from the APIC office and website.
• Explain the importance of Constituent Groups. It’s the best way for NAIFA to strengthen its contact database and enhance the contact system.
• Explain the need and stress the importance of filling Federal Coordinator gaps and legislator contact gaps.

Coordination Between APIC and Complementary Association Committees

• Maintain communication with other chapter leaders, such as the IFAPAC chair and Government Relations Committee chair.
• Contacts are activated on federal issues at the Government Relations Committee’s discretion.

Political Education/Campaign Involvement

• Chapters should encourage members to get involved in the political process which includes participating in election campaigns.

Goals and Plans for Your Chapter

• Review your political involvement plans for the coming year, including any special meetings (i.e., state association Day at the Capital, legislative breakfast with member of Congress, State Senator, etc.)

Resources

• Advocacy Handbook
• State and Local APIC Resource Guide
• APIC Worried About Your Future? Brochure
• APIC Grassroots Contact Form
• APIC District Meeting Response Form
• APIC Chair Speech (sample)
• Guidelines for Communicating with Your Elected Officials
• The Legislative Process

Discussion/Question & Answer

• Encourage participants to ask questions about the material covered. Veteran chairs in the group may have valuable insights for those serving as chairs for the first time.