Advocacy Policy

Emerging public policy debates or proposed regulations, legislation, initiatives or other policies may affect the Association's mission.  Because of this, the  Association may consider an advocacy role  by using the following conditions and procedures.

Before  proceeding with  any action described below, the Association's Board must  be able  to say "YES"  to the following questions:

1.   Is the issue germane to the Association's mission?
2.   Does the Association have credibility on this issue?
3.   Will the  Association have the broad support of our membership for its decision on this issue?
4.   Will the  proposed action by the Association make a difference on this issue?

The Executive Director or Board President will assume the  leading voice  in the communication unless another designate is authorized by the Board. Once  adopted, the Association's position can be fluently communicated using established staff resources and communication channels, at the discretion of the  Executive Director.

Levels of Response and Examples:

Level 1.

Adding  the  Association to a list of supporting or opposing organizations regarding an issue.

Procedure/Requirements: After consulting with  subject matter experts  and, if relevant, a committee or group of interest, the  Board  President and Executive Director will seek authorization from the Executive Committee.  The Executive Committee will  determine whether there  are any terms  or limitations on indications of support/opposition.

Example: Multi-organizational letters of support for appropriations funding or policy framework submitted to members of Congress and/or federal agencies, such as sustained funding for the USDA's  APHIS (Animal  and Plant Health Inspection Service).

Level 2.

Sending a letter or communication advocating a position  on an issue to relevant decision­ makers,  solely authored by and on behalf of the  Association.

Procedure/Requirements: After consulting with  subject matter experts  and, if relevant, a committee or group of interest, the  Board  President and Executive Director will seek authorization from the Executive Committee. Authorization will also be sought from  the  Board of Directors. The Board  will  determine whether there  are any terms or limitations on indications of the  Association position in its motion or decision.

Example: Association's e-blast to membership regarding a proposed de-funding for Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Endowment for the Arts/Humanities.

Level 3.

Taking the  Association's advocacy to the  broader public- including letters and statements likely to be widely distributed via external PR or other news agencies.

Procedure: After consulting with subject matter experts  and, if relevant, a committee or group of interest, the Board President and Executive Director will seek authorization from the Board  of Directors. The Board  will determine whether there  are any terms  or limitations on indications of the  Association position in its motion or decision. The Board  must approve the wording of any specific  public advocacy statement to  be distributed.

Example: Association's statement on the US government decision regarding Paris Climate Accords and the Association's commitment to sustainability.

Level 4.

Lobbying or other direct engagement of stakeholders wherein the  Association's Board, Staff and/or designated volunteers take a direct role, potentially including leadership and/or financial support, specifically to support or oppose an issue within legal limits.

Procedure: Before  elevating the Association's advocacy to this level, a presentation or briefing will  be given  on the issue with  information acquired from consulting with  subject matter experts and, if relevant, a committee or group of interest. Subsequently, authorization from the  Board  of Directors will be required. Additionally, the  Board  will use advice  sought from experts  and/or legal counsel to define  the parameters of the Association's involvement including, as examples, the text  of any statements, the extent of any financial  support, and any limitations on board members, staff, volunteers, or member garden(s) activity.

Example: The Association has not yet undertaken participation in and/or financial support of formal lobbying efforts with elected officials.