September 1999

GRDs Discuss Future Direction

On August 16, as part of the NYSSCPA Leadership Forum, the Society's Government Relations Directors met to discuss their future roles and approve policies to provide a formal structure to the committee.

Fong Chan, NYSSCPA director of governmental affairs, chaired the meeting and emphasized the crucial role that the GRDs play, especially at a time when the Society wants to raise its political profile in New York state.

"The GRDs are the backbone of our legislative efforts," Chan said. "No statewide organization can hope to achieve political success without strong grass roots support and activities. More importantly, in the eyes of the local politician, GRDs represent the profession, the chapter, and the Society."

The GRDs who attended the meeting agreed to following policies:

* Chapter presidents will appoint GRDs in consultation with the local PAC trustee.

* The appointment term is two years, coinciding with state legislators' terms of office. Each GRD term will commence on January 1 of the beginning of the two-year political cycle. Chapter presidents, in consultation with local PAC trustees, can renew GRD appointments for additional terms.

* Responsibilities of GRDs include developing and recommending the Society's annual legislative agenda; coordinating local legislative activities, such as letter-writing campaigns and visits to elected officials; meeting with his or her area's politicians; and attending fundraisers.

* GRDs will hold at least two regular meetings each year: one in January to discuss and establish the annual legislative agenda for approval by the NYSSCPA board of directors, and another in July to review actions of the completed legislative session.