Effective
grass-roots lobbying starts with the county Farm Bureau. To help implement Farm
Bureau policy, counties may choose to appoint and utilize a Policy
Implementation Team. Additionally, counties may be encouraged to appoint a
specific, time-limited Issue Action Team on an as-needed basis. Policy
Implementation Teams consist of 2-3 individuals focused on developing
relationships with elected officials. Members are chosen for their
qualifications and respect in their community. The Policy Implementation Team
should represent the different areas of the county and its demographics, as
well as the major commodities produced.
Objective
Develop
relationships with elected officials and deliver results for member policy
implementation. Policy Implementation Teams are not intended to be policy-issue
experts; their task is to establish and enhance the county Farm Bureau’s
relationship with local, state and national elected officials.
Qualifications
The ideal member
should have an interest in policy and politics, a focus on building a
relationship, and an interest in planning events with a legislative and
regulatory focus. The following characteristics should be considered in making
selections.
- Support
of Farm Bureau policy: Policy
Implementation Team members must be willing to actively support Farm Bureau
policy and put policy ahead of personal feelings or friendships with
legislators. Any success in implementing Farm Bureau policy will only come as a
result of unity.
- Recruitment: Policy
Implementation Team members should be recruited and selected to serve on an
annual basis.