1. OBJECTIVE.

To maintain a viable, effective and ongoing legislative program at the national/region level and at the state level where chapters are active.

2. PURPOSE.

Whenever it is deemed that a particular program, planned proposed legislation, or a public law is detrimental to the career opportunities, progress, or the lifestyle of the member of the Active Duty, Guard, Reserve or retired community, some form of action is taken by the Association, under the National President. Such action can be:

1. a. A letter to a particular individual within an agency of the government. (Prepared by the National President or Executive Director.)
2. b. A proposal on the issue which can emanate from an individual, a chapter or the National BOD.

3. ACTION.

At the Meeting of the Members, members in attendance may approve a standing proposal requesting USAWOA take action to oppose those plans, programs and/or proposed legislation detrimental to the members, and to support those issues of benefit to the membership.

4. LEVEL OF ACTION.

National Headquarters cannot become involved in state legislation. In those states where we have active chapters, it is recommended that a Legislative Committee work closely with the representatives of other Associations such as AUSA, MOAA, etc., in seeking passage of state legislation of benefit to USAWOA members in the particular state. Chapters proposing to undertake such action must first obtain concurrence of the National BOD.

5. PROPOSALS/LETTER ISSUES.

We look to chapters for the information and recommendations to the Legislative Committee of all proposals and letter issues. Copies of proposals and letter issues are forwarded to the Department of Defense and selected members of the Congress.

1. a. A proposal is usually an issue of long standing which may or may not require legislation to resolve. Actions which cannot be taken solely within the Department of the Army usually lend themselves to proposals.
2. b. A letter issue is usually one of short duration and can be acted upon within the Department of the Army.

6. RESPONSES.

In some instances, responses are simply courtesy letters, while others will provide an informal answer to the issue(s) we are concerned with. The Executive Director will provide the delegates at the Meeting of the Members a report of responses that are received, thus providing further guidance on each of the issues.

7. PREPARING PROPOSALS:

Utilize plain bond paper and, if possible, type one proposal on one sheet of paper.

1. a. Clearly define the issue. Quotations from the particular regulation, policy letter, proposed legislation and/or public law is desirable.
2. b. State clearly and concisely WHY it is an issue.
3. c. HOW does it affect service members and how many (estimate)?
4. d. WHEN does the issue have the greatest effect on the service?
5. e. If possible, recommend a solution; however, it is essential to completely justify your position on the issue.

8. FORWARDING OF PROPOSALS:

National Headquarters will provide you with the deadline for submission of proposals, although a proposal may be forwarded to Headquarters any time during the year.

1. a. Matters of importance to the chapter and the Association should be discussed and prepared for presentation to the general membership.
2. Create the opportunity and atmosphere for a solid, meaningful exchange of ideas and convictions with your chapter officers, away from the telephone and interruptions of daily routine. Share your own conclusions with them and absorb what they have to say. These are the first tangible steps toward building an eventful year ahead.
3. b. Plans for the general membership meeting should be made and a tentative agenda drawn up based on information they have gathered between meetings and from previous minutes.

9. SIGNATURE:

Any officer of the chapter may forward a proposal; however, a statement must be included as follows: "This proposal has been voted upon by members in attendance at a chapter/special meeting and is forwarded upon approval of the President of the chapter."

10. PROPOSALS ADOPTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS.

The National President or the Executive Director is responsible for the distribution of all proposals and letter issues to the Army Staff, DOD, members of the Congress, Army Times and other periodicals and to all USAWOA Chapters. Publication of the proposals in the NEWSLINER will reach all members.

11. ACTION BY MEMBERS.

Proposals and letter issues can be effectively utilized as a "sales tool" in signing up more and more members. Distribution to hospitals, open messes, barbershops, and other strategic facilities on an installation will aid in "getting the word out" on USAWOA. Utilize copies of the proposals/letter issues to the maximum extent.

12. REQUESTS TO WRITE.

From time to time, a request to write to your Congressman or Congresswoman on a particular issue is published in the NEWSLINER. If the USAWOA legislative program is to be truly effective, please encourage every member of the chapter to write individual letters. Form letters and/or petitions are not effective. If the issue is appropriate, you may wish to invite dependents and others to write supporting the cause.

13. ANALYSIS OF PROPOSALS.

Within chapters, and at any convention, a careful analysis should be given to those proposals/letter issues previously adopted at the Meeting of the Members prior to developing any new proposal. For maximum effectiveness, we should develop reasonably sound proposals, keeping the number to a minimum, with other issues going to letter issues. From information gathered on Capitol Hill and from sources in the Pentagon, it is recommended we not "shotgun" our proposals. Be realistic and stand firm on good proposals. For maximum effectiveness, keep your legislative program on target with current legislation and issues, as they surface, either in the DOD or Congress. This type of activity keeps us alive and moving.

INVITATION OF U. S. CONGRESSMEN AND DIGNITARIES TO CHAPTER FUNCTIONS.

As we continue to gain recognition and credibility on Capitol Hill, it is imperative that all chapter officials become familiar with correct procedures to follow when they intend to invite a United States Congressman or dignitary to be the guest speaker at a chapter function. The following guidelines are furnished for this purpose:

1. a. When a program is planned to take place on a military installation and it is the intent of the chapter to invite an individual in the above-mentioned category to be the guest speaker, APPROVAL must first be obtained from the installation commander.
2. b. A copy of the invitation to the individual and his response must be provided the installation commander and an additional copy forwarded to National Headquarters.
3. c. Once the Congressman or dignitary has accepted a chapter's invitation to participate in the function, the Chapter President, or a delegated representative, must work closely with the installation commander's office regarding protocol essential to the visit.
4. d. In all instances, an invitation to be a guest at the function must be extended to the installation commander. He will also be invited to accompany a chapter official or member in greeting the individual upon his/her arrival on the installation.
5. e. If a last minute cancellation is made by the Congressman or dignitary, the installation commander must be notified immediately. In addition, if for some unforeseen circumstances dictates the cancellation of the chapter function, coordination must be affected with the commander's office prior to notifying the congressman or dignitary.
6. f. It is well to remember that the USAWOA has a high visibility and as long as a chapter functions on any Department of Defense Installation, we must ensure we do nothing to reflect negatively upon the commander, the chapter or the Association. If there is any doubt in this area, the Executive Director at National Headquarters should be contacted for further assistance and guidance.