POLITICAL AFFAIRS MEETING NOTES
January 26, 2006-AnaheimChair Dennis Mason called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m and he welcomed the committee to their first meeting.DeAnn Kerr reported on the new Field Programs that C.A.R. has introduced to assist Local Associations of REALTORS® in the planning of local level tactics to improve the performance of C.A.R.’s overall strategic member mobilization and political involvement.  If you need further details, please contact DeAnn Kerr.  DeAnn then introduced the new Field Representative, Erin Kauffman for Northern California and Leti Munoz for Southern California.2005 FUNDRAISING RECAP
Total RAF Contributions for 2005 was $4,394,778
C.A.R. total Participation rate of 33%..However, the following 31 Local Associations reached or exceed the 50% participation rate.
Ventura County AOR 90%, Watsonville AOR 79%;Yolo County with 76%;Central Valley 75%;Tulare County 72%;Montebello District 71%;Paso Robles 70%;Burbank 70%;Yosemite 68%;Monterey County 67%;Sutter-Yuba 66%; Nevada County 65%;Big Bear 64%;Ojai and Imperial Valley both with 61%; Humboldt and San Mateo both with 60%;Calaveras County & Lassen both with 58%; Barstow, North Bay and Tehama County all with 57%; San Luis Obispo 56%;Tehachapi Area 55%;Chico 54%;Palos Verdes Peninsula & Paradise both with 52% and Northern California Commercial, Marin, Coastal Mendocino and Lompoc Valley all with 51%.  We had 28 Local Associations that were between 40% and 49%!
In 2006…let’s have all 118 Local Associations be 50% or better!
 
2006 GOALS AND THEME
The new RAF Fundraising goal for 2006 is to raise $5 million in total RAF contributions and to achieve 50% of C.A.R. membership participation in RAF. The theme is “The Power of REALTOR® Involvement!” and then presented the DVD entitled the same.2006 CONTEST
That in an effort to create a little competition in the state and to encourage a “team spirit” attitude within the Associations, the 2006 REALTOR® Action Fund contest is as follows:1.   The Association that collects the most dollars collected by a Petite (0-200 membership) Small (201-500 membership), Medium (501-3000 membership), Large (3001-6000 membership) and Jumbo (6001 and up membership) Associations will receive a check in the amount of $5,000 to be used at the Local Association discretion. In addition to the $5,000, the Association will receive a beautiful award that can be display at the Local Association.
2. The Association that recruits the most Golden R’s will be recognized!
3.  $5,000 Club, which we hope to have lots of participants!  This club is for those Associations that raise $5,000 in new money from members who have never contributed before!NEED FOR FUNDRAISING CAPTAINS:
However, we cannot do this alone, as stated above; it is about “team work!”  It is imperative that we have a “RAF Team Captain” from each Association. If your Association has already assigned one!  Thank you! If not, please assign one and let C.A.R. staff know. As you know, we have a whole new look and a new RAF Fundraising Tool Kit, which will be mailed soon, to help you reach your goals! RAF Fundraising Tool Kit-Available Now
• Welcome letter from 2006 President Vince Malta
• DVD/Video
• Instructions For Using CAR’s REALTOR® Action Fund Political Involvement DVD/Video
• RAF Talking Points
• RAF Q&A’s
• RAF Fundraising Certificates
• Fact Sheet w/RAF Contribution Form
• 2005 Check Piece
• Make a Choice Make A Difference
• Legislative Liaison Brochure
• Take the Next Step Brochure
• Sample of the Pins
B. Fundraising Team Captains
• Need…please check and be sure to send in
C. New REALTOR® Action & President Circle Pins
• How to reach your personal history RAF Contribution Page (show on the page)-See attached
• To find out your new level!
D. Feedback on Dues Billing-on website
• Print sample of explanation, if needed
E. NAR President Circle Club Recognition for C.A.R. Members in their lifetime contribution
• Remind members that if they participate in NAR’s program, that the $2,000 will goes towards their lifetime contribution
F. Review the Political Affairs Website
 
There being no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.