Blog: Dunn Associates
Jun. 25, 2009

10 “Random” Things about Effective PACs—You’re Tagged

By Karen Fabean

Oddly enough, political action committees have personalities—just like people.   Some can’t quite seem to get their act together and never have any money.   Others always feel misunderstood and hold their money close to the chest.   Then, there are others that are really gregarious and attract and spend a lot of dough. 

If we could tag the personality of an effective PAC like we do people and information on the internet, we’d probably find out some interesting stuff.  How many of the following characteristics apply to your PAC? 

  1. Donor-focused.  Everything about the way the PAC communicates and behaves points to a direct positive benefit or outcome for donors.  In the end, the PAC is not about the organization or industry, or the government affairs team.  It’s about the people who give the money.
  2. Mission oriented.  The PAC has a clear, stated mission linked to the mission of the organization and advocated by the PAC board and organizational leadership.  Every policy and operational decision of the PAC supports the mission.
  3. Educated participants.  The PAC that has educated, long-time donors.  It also has better advocates.  Providing value-added information about PACs, candidates, politics and the issues is a priority and carried out in print, electronic and face-to-face settings on a frequent and regular basis.
  4. Accountable decision-makers.  Board members articulate why the PAC supports specific candidates, particularly those who may be controversial.  Organizational leaders and lobbyists do not have a blank check to support candidates of their personal choice.  Donors believe their investments are spent wisely.
  5. Appreciative acts.  Donors know they are appreciated.  They receive timely, personal thank you notes for their decision to support the PAC—and for their continued support.  Whenever possible, the PAC provides them with unique opportunities to interact with other donors, attend a recognition event or receive an opportunity to expand their knowledge and engagement with the PAC and political leaders.
  6. Tells a story.  The PAC makes a point to talk about candidates who receive support in ways that make donors connect the dots.  PAC meetings with donors include stories of how government affairs professionals in the organization develop relationships with candidates the PAC has helped to elect and build support for their organization’s position on critical issues.     
  7. Relationship-centric.  The PAC has a “face”–someone who speaks for the PAC and engages in communications with individuals and groups within the organization to facilitate understanding and support.  Donors feel like “insiders”—people who are valued not only for their money but for their input into the PAC and commitment to its mission.    
  8. Powered with peer-to-peer fundraising.  Donors support the PAC because someone they know and respect has invited them to.  Their commitment is deeper as a result. 
  9. Listens.  PAC communications flow two ways.  Donors are listened to and the PAC is responsive.  Regular attempts are made to solicit donor input.  The PAC makes demonstrable improvements as a result.
  10. Contributions with impact.  The PAC spends resources wisely, seeking to maximize the impact of its political contributions.  Candidates who receive support understand and are sympathetic to the organization’s views on key issues, or they will at least keep an open mind and give serious consideration to those views. 
 Find Karen at http://www.google.com/profiles/kbfabean.

 Originally prepared for NABPAC, the National Association of Business PACs (nabpac.org)
 

Topic(s): Political action committees   PAC fundraising   
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