Politics, Politics, Politics

1. Politics, Politics, Politics How to Make Public Servants Your Allies Or “A Regional Volunteer’s Guide to Negotiating the Local Political Minefield!”

2. It’s All About Building Community Relationships • City • School District • Parks & Rec District • Special Districts • Community Support

3. Do You Have An Issue? • We all have issues • What are some common ones?

4. Common Region Issues • Fields • Need More Fields • Availability of Existing Facilities • Cost and Fees

5. Common Region Issues • Growth, Marketing, and Promotion - Getting the Word Out - Community Value - Community Presence

6. Politics, Politics, Politics “ All Politics is local” -Former House Speaker Tip O’Neill

7. How Can Relationships with Local Politicians and Governments Help Your Region?

8. Politics, Politics, Politics • Understanding and cooperating with other groups and agencies is the key to helping sustain a successful program • Seek WIN-WIN opportunities where all parties benefit and are motivated to continue the relationship

9. Who Are the Players? The Agencies: Local Governments Cities Counties School Districts and Colleges Special Districts - Parks and Recreation - Others

10. Who Are the Players? The People Elected Officials Council Members County Supervisors School Board Members/Trustees Appointed Officials Parks and Recreation Commissioners Planning Commissioners Special District Commissioners

11. Who Are the Players? Local Agency Staff Chief Executive City Manager School Superintendent District General Manager

12. Who Are the Players? Local Agency Staff, continued … • Management and Supervisory Staff • This Where to Cultivate Relationships • Parks Managers • School Facilities Managers • School Principals and Athletic Directors

13. Who Are the Players? Local Agency Staff, continued … • Don’t forget the line staff • Custodians • Field Maintenance and Groundskeepers • Schedulers

14. Who Makes the Decisions? • Counties and Cities are Governed by Elected Officials • Appointed Officials, Such as Park Commissioners, Make Recommendations to the Elected Councils and Boards • Agency Staff Have the Responsibility for Day-to-Day Operations and Scheduling of Facilities

15. Steps to Achieving Excellent Local Agency Relationships Know What the AYSO Product is Know Exactly What Your Needs Are Identify the Key Decision Makers Identify the WIN-WIN Elements Develop a Strategy EXECUTE

16. The AYSO Product • Hint: It’s Not Just a Youth Soccer Program • Affordable Recreation at No Cost to the Agency • Healthful Activity (Obesity Strategy) • Reduces At-risk Youth • Volunteer Development • Community-Building • Lots of Voters

17. What Are the Regions Needs? • Fields • Sufficient Playing Fields • Adequate Game and Practice Time • Field Conditions

18. What Are the Regions Needs • Exposure • Why? • Attract New Players • Attract Sponsors • Establish Community Value • Agencies will support programs which are thriving and add value

19. Motivating and Connecting With Local Officials

20. Elected Officials Can Be Your Region’s Best Friend • Access to Staff and Resources • Champion for Field Projects • Are Always Counting Votes • An AYSO region represents a significant voting block • Let them know you are out there-wear AYSO logo gear to meetings

21. Agency Staff • Are the Ones Who Actually Get Things Done • Can Be Helpful or a Block Wall • They Will be the Ones You Are Dealing With Most of the Time-Deal With Them Accordingly • Cultivate Relationships and Appreciate Their Efforts

22. Community Networking • Politics Goes Beyond Dealing With Local Agency Officials • Community Outreach Can Help Sustain Your Program by Building a Network • Business Support • Sponsors and Discounts • Exposure to Potential Parents and Volunteers Politicians Love to Attend Opening Day & Kick Out the 1st Ball!

23. Community Partners(friends with benefits) • Sponsors • Chamber of Commerce • Convention and Visitors Bureau • High Schools and Other Youth Organizations • Foundations • Service Organizations

24. Tips For Success • Be Visible • Attend Meetings • City Council, Board, and Commission Meetings • Wear the Gear

25. Tips For Success • Seek Access • Ask For Meetings • Elected Officials • Agency Staff • Management • Site Staff

26. Tips For Success • Cultivate Relationships • Respect Those You Are Dealing With • Make Requests - Do Not Make Demands - You Are Not Entitled to Anything! • Show Appreciation • Simple Thank You • Small Gifts or Other Tokens

27. Tips For Success • Create the WIN-WIN • Create and Identify the Value That Will Motivate An Agency, Sponsor, or Community Group to Partner With Your Region • Financial • Tangible • Intangible

28. Do’s and Don’t’s • DO Keep It Positive • DO Acknowledge the Efforts of AYSO Volunteers and Non-AYSO participants you Contribute to the Success of Your Region • DO Make Nice With Others Sports Organizations That Your Region Shares Facilities With

29. Do’s and Don’ts • DO Make Efficient Use of Officials and Business Leaders Time • DO Respect the Facilities Your Region Uses • DO Put a Face to Your Region and AYSO

30. Conclusion • Any Thing to Add? • Best Practices? • Questions? …