USGLC Launches “Thank the Freshmen” Campaign

August 21, 2009 | Tom Vogel

From Florida to Maine, the USGLC has been on the go this month thanking freshman Members of Congress for their support of the International Affairs Budget. Groups across the country representing the USGLC’s diverse coalition spoke with their Members to thank them and urge them to continue their support of America’s investments in development and diplomacy.

Freshmen Focus a Success
The freshmen focus was part of this year’s USGLC strategy to engage first-time voters in support of the International Affairs Budget. In February, USGLC leadership held a first-ever “Freshman Lobby Day” to meet with newly elected officials and educate them about the importance of the International Affairs Budget. Our effort paid off when 87% of freshman Representatives supported the FY2010 State, Foreign Operations Bill. This month the USGLC set-up 15 meetings with Congressional staffs and reached out to an additional 19 freshmen members about their vote on the FY2010 State, Foreign Operations Bill.

August Recess Strategy
The “thank you” meetings are proving to be very successful. In Maine for example, USGLC State Advisory Committee members met with the district office of freshman Representative Chellie Pingree to thank the Congresswoman for her support, which was essential in passing the FY2010 State Foreign Operations Bill at $48.8 billion. One of our leaders, Michael Wygant with the World Affairs Council of Maine, spoke about the state’s growing global activities, and the significant role the International Affairs Budget plays in strengthening the local economy.

Tommy Preston with the President’s Office from the University of South Carolina who led the group meeting with long-time supporter Congressman Joe Wilson (SC) said, “It was extremely important that local leaders from the business, faith-based, and academic communities took the time to thank our delegation for their support. Thank you USGLC for helping us organize this meeting.”

Next week, USGLC Field Director Mark Moskowitz and Deputy Field Director Jenni Rothenberg will continue our outreach, meeting with more offices of freshman Members of Congress as well as community leaders to continue building support around the country. If you’re interested in becoming more involved in the USGLC’s activities in the field, contact Jenni at jrothenberg@usglc.org.