The FSNA grassroots advocacy machine was put into motion for the 2008 general federal election. And in every province FSNA volunteers responded – not in droves mind you – but they responded!
The strategy undertaken was to engage branches to connect with candidates from the Conservative, Liberal, NDP, Bloc and Green parties of Canada and dialogue about FSNA’s key issues. Support was provided by the national directors (NDs), provincial advocacy officers (PAOs) and the Health Care Research and Advocacy Officer at National Office.
So, how did we do?
Branches across Canada connected with most candidates in 101 electoral districts. Since there are 308 electoral districts, we managed a 32.8% success rate.
Most of the candidates we contacted were sent e-mails with FSNA’s key issues attached. A few FSNA members met face-to-face with the candidates and some members attended all candidates meetings and raised our issues in this forum.
Along with the responses received from the leaders of the Liberal, NDP and Green Parties of Canada (these are posted to www.fsna.com) as a result of a letter from Dennis Jackson to all party leaders, 22 candidates sent individual responses to our key issues.
The goal of our strategy was to raise awareness of FSNA and of the issues of most concern to our members and to build new or maintain existing relationships with key political officials. It is not enough to ask an elected official for support for an FSNA member-supported issue just when it is needed. Building and maintaining relationships over time will increase the likelihood of advocacy success in the future.
In this respect, branch presidents have been asked to follow-up with the elected candidates with a congratulatory letter offering our assistance in the future with respect to seniors issues locally. As FSNA speaks with one voice, any request for feedback should be shared with your ND and PAO to ensure consistent and appropriate messaging.
Overall, the process involved with the 2008 general federal election has highlighted areas for improvement but, more importantly, reinforced that taking full advantage of the knowledge, expertise, network capabilities, and time commitment of FSNA volunteers helps us achieve our goals.
The Federal Superannuates National Association Kingston & District Branch, c/o Box 1172, Kingston, Ontario K7L 4Y8, Telephone 1-613-384-2440 .-. Click on a comment link to express your view on a post. Alert a friend, to a post, by clicking on its envelope icon.
