AKC Legislative Liaison Program

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Who are Legislative Liaisons?

Dog club members who follow legislative issues and provide an important communications link between their clubs and the AKC Government Relations department.

Does our club need a Legislative Liaison?

Yes! Every AKC club benefits from having a legislative contact. Legislative liaisons help the AKC, dog clubs and individual purebred fanciers to work together efficiently and effectively to address legislative issues.

What do Legislative Liaisons do?

Legislative liaisons help their clubs influence local, state and federal legislative issues affecting purebred dogs and their owners. Their responsibilities include:

• Monitoring their local news and staying aware of issues which may impact our sport.
  
  
• Presenting the views and interests of the purebred dog fancy to lawmakers, other citizens and the news media.
  
  
• Receiving materials, updates and advice from the AKC Government Relations department and distributing information to fellow club members.
  
  
• Organizing and motivating club members to become active in the legislative process, and encouraging other interested fanciers to help advance legislation that will benefit purebred dog owners and breeders.
  
  
• Sharing their clubs' experiences and expertise with government officials, members of the community and other interested fanciers.
  
  
• Preparing their clubs for action should a legislative initiative arise that requires input from purebred dog owners and breeders.

How does the AKC Government Relations department help?

• Free information packets, position statements, sample legislation, brochures and videos created and distributed by the department help keep Legislative Liaisons informed.
  
  
• Taking Command monthly newsletter keeps Legislative Liaisons up-to-date on canine legislative issues occurring around the country.
  
  
• The AKC's web site (www.akc.org) carries the latest legislative information, and the department's e-mail address (doglaw@akc.org) allows Liaisons to contact the AKC electronically to report legislative activity, request assistance and order materials.
  
  
• The department will put you in contact with other Liaisons and federations of dog clubs who share their experiences in different areas of canine legislation.

How can I become a Legislative Liaison?

Check to see if your club has a Liaison or legislative committee. If so, volunteer to assist the involved members. If not:

• Volunteer. Explain to your club officers what this position means, and ask that the club either elect or appoint a Liaison.
  
  
• Let the AKC know. Have a club officer send a note on club stationery with the new Liaison's name, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address (if applicable) to:
  
  AKC Government Relations Department
  8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100
  Raleigh, NC 27617-3390
  
  919.816.3720
  919.816.4275 (fax)
  doglaw@akc.org