PACD Legislative Program

DECEMBER

Have a friendly social event just for fun, but keep that personal relationship going. Be sure to invite all newly elected leaders who will begin officially in January. This event will serve as a "getting to know you" opportunity for new legislators and a thank you to those legislators who have supported the district throughout the year. Again this event must be held on a Thursday or Friday so the legislators will be in their district office. It will also be an opportunity for districts to honor their "Legislator of the Year."

Suggested District Action: Welcome to the office event - Holiday reception

An easy to plan reception that entails a few refreshments will be all that you need to thank legislators for their help throughout the year. You can honor your Legislator of the Year at the reception. Please make sure that your Legislator of the Year nominations are sent to the PACD office this month.

PACD Action: PACD will provide a template press release for your event and Legislator of the Year. We will also provide tips on holding a holiday reception with a timeline for preparation.

Welcome to the Office Event - Holiday Reception

For the reception, plan on sending out invitations at least two weeks prior to the event. The invitation can simply be a letter asking legislators, county commissions, and other partners to join you for some holiday cheer. I would hold the event for about two hours in the afternoon. Light snacks like cookies and punch should be available. If you have chosen a Legislator of the Year, make sure that person knows he/she has been chosen and personally ask them to attend the event. Make a formal presentation to the honored guest and make sure to take pictures. Have a press release ready to distribute and send the legislator a copy of the picture for his or her newsletter.

Please consider providing a welcome packet for all legislators in your county. Those that attend your open house can take a copy with them, and you can send others a copy. Packets should include:

• Names, addresses, phone numbers of district staff and board members
  
• Any brochure you have explaining your district activities
  
• A one page fact sheet on recent accomplishments by your district, and next year's goals
  
• A press release
  
• Any recent newsletters your district has distributed
  
• Other materials that you want to add
• Sample press release you can send to local press concerning this event: http://www.pacd.org/about/legactivities/program/PRdec.doc (Word)