Political Affairs Meeting Notes
January 18, 2007, Monterey, CA

Opening Remarks:
Chair Matt Giacalone called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m and welcomed the committee to their first meeting.  $179,105 RAF contributions collected at the January meeting.  We had 14 new Golden Rs and 5 New Sterling Rs and Matt acknowledged Terry Robertson for his contribution of $12,000.

2006 FUNDRAISING RECAP
Bobbie Nelson reported  the following:  
Total RAF Contributions for 2006 was $5,457,936.
C.A.R. total Participation rate of 30%, this was based on a total membership of 201,663 and we had 61,151 RAF contributors, which included local staff.  We had 31 Local Associations reached or exceeded the 50% participation rate.  Additionally, the following associations increased their RAF percentage from 2005-2006 by over 100%.  Laguna BOR increased by 331%, Plumas AOR increased by 264%, Hemet-San Jacintoincreased by 213%, San Diego AOR increased by 190%, San Francisco increased by 169%; Lassen AOR increased by 116%;Silicon Valley increased by109%;Orange Belt increased by 109%; Desert Communities increased by 107%; and Mariposa County increased by 101%.  We had 24 Associations that increased their participation from 2005-2006 by 50%. Congratulations!

Colleague Commitment Program- Les Fishman
This is designated to reach the agents at the grass roots level.  20% of agents contribute 80% of contributions to fund our lobbying efforts.  The team captain concept has not been embraced.  Perhaps a one-to-one from all of us that believe that at least $197 is the True Cost of Doing Business would work.  What if each time, wehave an escrow transaction, we asked the other agent to contribute $197 at the close of escrow?  This addresses the issue of agents saying “they don’t have the money.”  Prior to asking the agent, first check to see if they have already made their $197 contribution or at least minimum of $49.  If they have, ask them contribute to the next level.  Don’t be afraid to ask…you might be pleasantly surprised to the answer.  Les requested the members give atry and report back in Sacramento.

2006 RAF Contest Winners:
Part1:  The association that collected the most RAF contributions, these Associations received a $5,000 check, as well, as a magnificent trophy to display at their Association: Petite category 1-200 members)-Region 02-Tehama County raised $10,680; Small Category (201-500 members), Region 01 Humboldt raised $22,379; Medium category (501-3000 members) Region 12-Fresno raised $84,125; Large category (3001-6000 members) Region 25, San Mateo County raised $224,345 and Jumbo category (6001 + members) Region 23, Pacific West raised $433,760.
Part II:   Association that recruited the most Golden Rs was Santa Clara County with 8 for 2006
Part III: $5,000 CLUB, we had 51 associations that were part of the $5,000 club, these associations collected $5,000 new money from members who have never contributed to RAF before. The contest winners were presented their prizes during their Wednesday night caucus meeting by Dennis Mason, 2006 Chair, Matt Giacalone, 2007 Chair, 2007 Vice Chairs, Bobbie Nelson and Les Fishman.  The leadership felt that it would help the momentum of raising RAF funds and the winners could be duly appreciated by their peers for their hard work.  The winners were still announced during the Directors Meeting, during the regular report. 

2007 GOALS
Matt Giacalone reported that the 2007 RAF Fundraising goals are to raise $5.5 million in RAF contributions and obtain 40% participation. To that avail and in an effort to create a little competition in the state and to encourage a “team spirit” attitude within the Associations, the 2007 REALTOR® Action Fund contest is as follows:
2007 CONTEST
1.    The Association that collects the most dollars collected by a Petite (1-200 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, as well as, an exquisite award that can be displayed at the local association.
2. The Association that shows the greatest improvement in their RAF participation within their category (petite, small, medium, large and jumbo) will receive a check in the amount of $1,000 to be used at the local association’s discretion, as well as, a stunning award that can be displayed at the local association
3.   The Association that recruits the most Golden R’s will be recognized with a magnificent award that can be displayed at the local association.
4.   $5,000 Club, which we hope to have lots of participants!  This club is for those Associations that raise $5,000in new money from members who have never contributed before!  Each association will receive an award to commemorate this achievement.

Importance of RAF Captains
As you know, seven out of ten CAR members are “REALTOR® Karls,” which means they don’t contribute to RAF.  If we are going to be successful in 2007, EVERY REALTOR® needs to pull their own weight!  We must continue to educate the “REALTOR® Karls” who are happy to benefit from others, on the importance of their annual $197 RAF contribution.  With the help of the RAF Captains, we can accomplish this goal. As you know, we have a whole new look and a new RAF Fundraising Tool Kit, which includes a new “Training Manual”. 

Administrative Issues: Lisa Edwards:       
A. Local Association Staff Incentive Program in place and ready to go.
B. RAF Fundraising Tool Kit/PowerPoint presentations being mailed upon return from the January meetings.
C. Fundraising Team Captains-Deadline February 11, 2007.
D. Presented new Gold President Circle Pins for members who have contributed $10,000+
E. Feedback on Dues Billing-onwebsite with explanation that can be downloaded
F. Remind members that if they participate in NAR’s program, that the $2,000 will goes towards their lifetime contribution, if C.A.R. meets their fair share at the end of each calendar year.
G. Review the Political Affairs Website

Adjournment:  Meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.