Do's and Dont's of Political Action

DO'S

Do have a representative at every meeting of your board of supervisors. Let them know you are watching them.

Do have a recognizable shirt, jacket, etc, with a union logo. this lets them know you when they see you.

Do volunteer your time on the campaign; being sure to wear your union t-shirts, not your uniform.

Do attend political rallies and mobilizations; being sure to do it on your own time.

Do dress appropriately when meeting with one of your elected officals.

Do know what you want to talk about before meeting with one of your elected officals.

Do take pictures with your endorsed candidate for mailers and campaing literure; being sure to wear your union t-shirts, not your uniform.

Do give a donation to your candidate from SCCFLAG, being sure not to give in excess of your local contribution limits.

DON'TS

Don't meet one on one. Always have a partner to help keep you on track and as a witness to what is said.

Don't let the meeting wander. Keep to topics you want discussed.

Don't be afraid to ask for their support, even if your group didn't help them get elected. Remember: Every politican campaigns on thier support of Public Safety.

Don't speak to them only when you have a problem. It makes you look like a whiner. Schedule meetings with them on a regular basis, good times or bad.

Don't wear your uniform for political activity (see government code 3206: No officer or employee of a local agency shall participate in political activites of any kind while in uniform.)

Don't campaign during working hours (see government code 3207: prohibits or otherwise restrcits the following: (a) Officers and employees engaging in political activity during working hours. (b) Political activites on the permises of the local agency.)

Don't take pictures on duty or in a uniform with visible patches or badges showing.

Don't forget to report your donations to the FPPC or local governing agency, depending on what size PAC you have.