Election 2008
ImPACt
No. 1 reason members don't give: No one asks them to
Novi teacher Brett Meyer has a lofty goal for his political action fundraising—100 percent participation.
He wants every one of his 450 or so colleagues to contribute to the MEA’s political action committee, which in turn supports pro-public education candidates running for local and state political office.
“I’ve had people give me a dollar,” Meyer says. “I’ve had some give it to me in change. It’s something—and I’ll take it!”
Since 1999, Novi’s PAC participation has ranged from 47 percent to 93 percent. Many local associations dream of similarly high rates.
Alicia Greenough, a Petoskey teacher, is doing her first PAC drive this year. In July, she attended a workshop by Meyer at MEA’s Summer Leadership Conference to learn how to run a successful fundraiser.
“It’s very intimidating because we’re asking for money,” Greenough said. “People don’t always understand what it’s for.”
Meyer encouraged Greenough and others, telling them that a successful PAC drive is easy if you understand how to put it together and if leaders help members understand how their contributions will help.
Too often, people don’t give because they’re not asked. In fact, the top reason that members don’t give is they’re never asked.
“PAC is not a four-letter word,” Meyer said.
Teachers, support personnel and higher education members care about the students they serve—and, Meyer said, that’s a good reason to cite when explaining PAC.
“Some members need to be convinced as to why they need to give,” he said. “We are (employees) in the public school system. We care about education issues.”
Meyer suggested local leaders answer five
key questions when putting together a PAC
campaign:
- What’s your goal? Think of a number, whether you’re shooting for a total for all contributions or a certain participation figure.
- What’s the theme?
- What do the members need to know? Consider information that will help them understand why their contribution is needed.
- What’s the time frame? Determine start and end dates; Meyer recommends a relatively short time frame so that members don’t feel like you’re involved in a never-ending PAC drive.
- How do we get the word out? Communication is important, so you need to figure out how to spread the word about your efforts.
And, finally, the ask: Please give to MEA-PAC
The top reason members cite for not giving to PAC? They’re never asked.
So, we can’t let this opportunity slip by: Would you please consider giving to MEA-PAC?
Stitched into the center of this issue is an envelope. We hope you’ll use it to send a contribution to support state and local candidates who support issues that you care about, including education and the economy.
Any amount will help, so please consider what you can do to help ensure that public education wins at the ballot box.