only about 2000-2500 people are politically active and make a difference in the election by contributing, raising money from their friends, volunteering, etc. for one or the other of the candidates.

      There are two types of grassroots lobbying: *Quantitative - where you can get sheer, huge, numbers of people who will telephone, write, or otherwise let the member know your viewpoint. * Qualitative - where someone has a relationship with the member and can personally influence the decision that member makes.

      Once people understand how the political process really works, they'll insist on speaking out for their own interests.

      In politics, perception is reality. If something is perceived to be a problem, then the members will address that perception. There are two methods of changing perceptions: *Have the member know your group and issues so well that they see the issue through your eyes. * Elect people who share your perceptions in the first place.

      In the legislative process, it helps to have two "French Uncles."  One is "Count DeVote" and the other is "Count DeMoney."

      When contacting your member, keep in mind the easier the medium is to use (e-mail, phone, etc.) the less effective it is.

      When writing your member, it is always helpful to mention the bill number, the committee, and subcommittee, to which it has been referred, the action that is pending (it's up for a hearing, it will be voted on tomorrow etc.) and what course of action you want them to take on it.

      If you aren't able to exercise your political power, then you don't have any.

      The best standard of how well you know a member is: do they address you by your first name when they meet you on the street or elsewhere.

      There are two types of participants in politics: victims and players.

      The most concrete method of influencing a campaign is money.  However, if you raise $5000 from constituents, it has more impact than $20,000 from political action committees because there are votes attached.  If someone gives a candidate money, they've made an investment in the campaign and are thus far more likely to vote for the candidate.

      Later that day, Dunn's program was followed by a presentation from Christopher Simpson.  Simpson began his career as a newspaper reporter, later became press secretary for U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond and recently resigned as Indiana University's Vice President of Public Relations and Government Affairs to open his own political consulting and communications firm.

      Simpson delivered six rules of crisis will occur:

1. When you least expect it, a crisis will occur

2. Plan carefully for any and all types of crises. There are two major types: *Smoldering: i.e. the tobacco company lawsuits and settlements. * Sudden: the Challenger Shuttle disaster.

3. Anticipate worst-case scenarios such as workplace violence, natural disasters, computer sabotage, CEO related problems.

4. Develop a plan for each crisis - within reason; otherwise you may plan your life away: *Designate a crisis team *Define your internal (employees, families, friends, etc.) and external (media, competitors, etc.) audiences

5. Control the message and the flow of information: *Have only one spokesperson throughout the entire crisis * Develop clear, simple messages that can be "sound bites" of eight seconds or less (17-20 words). *Identify key audiences that must be reached * Deliver all messages clearly and repeatedly.

6. Constantly evaluate your message. Note the role of the internet and television. Think strategically about how you can use the video that's available.  An interesting fact: 22 percent of 4,000 media people surveyed stated they would use information gleaned in an internet chat room. Note the importance of apologies in how quickly an issue is forgiven and forgotten.  Learn from your crisis experience by debriefing your crisis team.

      It was an honor to be chosen a Hyatt Scholarship winner but the FSAE Foundation. I encourage all eligible FSAE members to apply and take advantage of the wonderful educational opportunities that are available as a result.

      Following the conclusion of the ASAE Legislative Summit educational sessions, 16 FSAE members, visited the office of Florida members of Congress to discuss issues of importance to Florida Associations including HR 527.