The 2008 C.A.R. Government Affairs Director Institute attracted 37 participants from throughout California along with GADs from Oregon and Washington.  The following is a summary of the 28 evaluations submitted by the institute participants.

Institute Promotion:

·        The majority of respondents heard about the institute via email.

·        All but one respondent would recommend future institutes to other GADS.

·        Less than half of the respondents attended the 2008 NAR institute.

·        All respondents received enough notice about the institute.

·        The majority of respondents want to receive emails about future institutes.

Institute Presentations:

Each responder was asked to rate the institute presentations on a scale from 5 (very valuable) to 1 (not valuable).  The following is an average of the responses to each presentation. 

Institute Materials:

The majority of respondents found the materials provided to be valuable.  Several indicated they would like to receive electronic versions of the materials prior to the event either through posting on the C.A.R. website, emailed to the participants or sent via CD or USB drive.  Some respondents asked for more information about NAR programs including grant resources and use of the GetActive system.

Institute Location:  

Most respondents rated the host hotel and local amenities to be good.  A handful would have preferred more entertainment and dining options and additional hotel amenities.

2008 Institute Comments:  

The following is a summary of comments about the 2008 institute:

·        Less emphasis on geographic-specific issues.

·        Less talking to the group as a whole – more break out sessions.

·        Wanted a tour of redevelopment area.

·        Liked ending by noon on Thursday.

·        Better time management so moderator didn’t have to cut off speakers.

·        Liked the economic forecast from Joel Singer.

·        Location and hotel were average.

·        Speakers should have been clued in that we are lobbyists.

·        Issues presentations were too SoCal-centric.

·        Great information, great presentations but not enough time was given to explore the issues.

·        The three top issues each GAD is dealing with were helpful.

·        Better sound system and the telephone link with was DeAnn hard to understand.

·        Provide email addresses for speakers.

·        More examples from GADs of successes and failures.

·        One session on how others use GetActive.

·        Member mobilization information needs to be updated. Provide speaker bios.

·        We need to expose and highlight the expertise and experience within the group and augment that with outside expert resources

Future Institute Topics:

The following is a summary of those topics, listed in order of importance that respondents would like covered at future institutes. 

1.      Grants for Government Affairs activities

2.      GAD Tools - software, consultants, education, etc.

3.      Identifying and grooming REALTORS® to run for office.

4.      Legal restrictions on PACs.

5.      Fundraising techniques

6.      FPPC reporting requirements

7.      The REALTOR® Association as an independent information provider.

8.      Media relations

9.      Communicating with neighboring boards on PAC issues.

10. Grant writing.

11. Charity administration (as in HAF & local housing charities).

Future Institute Suggestions:

The following is a summary of suggestions for future institutes:

·        Alternate between northern, central and southern California institute locations.

·        Provide a political and economic re-cap and forecast.

·        Use university facilities since institute is usually held when school is out of session.

·        Build in cushion of time between speakers.

·        More interactive sessions and more visual aids.

·        Representatives from the CBIA should attend to see if we can find common ground.

·        More opportunity to hear what our opposition is doing.

·        A discussion about BORPACs including by-laws, trustees, candidate endorsement policy.

·        Information about grant opportunities for associations beyond C.A.R. and NAR programs.

·        Technology training for communicating with members.

·        Icebreaker event to get GADs outside of their usual “friends.”

·        Focus on “how to” rather than just issues.

·        Group discussions, tours or events that give some variety from sitting in a rectangle all day.

·        GAD panels on key topics.

·        Speakers should be made aware of the nature of the audience