‘Be a NAPS Champion!'

‘Be a NAPS Champion!’

NAPS Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore thanked the nearly 60 first-timers for being at LTS. “This is a critical time for the survival of the Postal Service,” he said. “So much is going on; it’s important for you to take our message to Capitol Hill.”

Mulidore assured the first-timers that when they go up on the Hill, their legislators will know who they are. “That shows the impact we have on Capitol Hill and the value they see in us,” he declared. “We have to use our voices and make our legislative agenda known, as well as advocate for the Postal Service.”

He also emphasized to everyone the importance of maintaining relationships with their members of Congress in their home districts. “Be the go-to person for your representative and senators,” he urged. “Become a champion for NAPS.”

NAPS Director of Legislative & Political Affairs Bob Levi introduced J.D. Guerrero, legislative assistant to Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Government Operations. He told the first-timers that Sessions has been a longtime advocate of the Postal Service and is a good friend to NAPS.

Guerrero was joined by NAPS Western Region Vice President Marilyn Walton and Southeast Area Vice President Bobby Bock, both members of the NAPS Executive Board’s Legislative Committee, to demonstrate a visit to Capitol Hill and give first-timers a sense of how to lobby.

After the lobbying session, Levi had a mini Q&A with Guerrero to help first-timers with their Hill visits:

Levi: What helps make a good impression on lawmakers and their staffs?

Guerrero: Getting baseline knowledge on the bills NAPS supports is helpful. For staffers not familiar with postal issues, your meeting might be their first opportunity to discuss and learn about the Postal Service.

(Levi reminded first-timers to be sure and familiarize themselves with NAPS’ legislative agenda explained in the “LTS Issues Brief.”)

Levi: How long should the meetings last?

Guerrero: If you are meeting with a member of Congress, 20 to 30 minutes. If you are meeting with a staff member, 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure and hit the bills you want to mention; 15 minutes is okay.

Levi: As a citizen lobbyist — a constituent — what makes a meeting with a member of Congress resonate? Does it help to share personal stories?

Guerrero: Everyone has the right to lobby their member. Hearing about their issues is more profound and helps me contextualize the issues. I like hearing personal stories.

Levi: NAPS delegates have visuals to share with you they display on their mobile devices. Does that help clarify issues or is it distracting?

Guerrero: It might be specific to each staffer. I prefer having information from which I can choose what to review. I like to have more information; others prefer less. I find having a variety is helpful. Senate staffers are, perhaps, more in tune with the issues.

Levi next discussed “Legislative Advocacy 101” with first-timers. He explained they are representing EAS employees. “We want you to advocate for issues of concern to the members we represent,” he offered. “When you lobby, maximize the opportunity to meet with staffers like J.D.”

He described their roles as citizen lobbyists. “In your meetings, ask for change, show support, share stories and provide information,” he counseled. “Lawmakers want to hear from you — individualized communication is helpful.

“No one can provide information on the EAS workforce like you can. As managers, we can spread more information about the system as a whole. And in-person visits from constituents are the most influential. You will be effective when you make contact.”

Levi referred to last year’s repeal of WEP/GPO that proved perseverance and doggedness pay off. NAPS lobbied for years for repeal and finally was successful.

He told first-timers to prepare for their meetings and provide a sense of urgency when they meet. The Postal Service’s economic condition is challenging; it’s important to provide details.

It’s also important to have future connections in case there are questions and other issues arise. Maintain momentum after the meeting; issues will continue. “Follow up after your meeting,” he directed. “Be sure and thank who you meet for their time and ask if they need more information.

“Remember, the NAPS Legislative Department is behind you!”