Public Policy Priorities

2007 Legislative and Executive Branch Agenda

OVERARCHING PRINCIPLE: Improve the organizational and strategic position of the American Red Cross through legislative initiatives and improved relationships with the US Congress, Federal agencies, state and local officials, and other nonprofit organizations.

STRATEGIC GOAL: Be America's partner and a leader in mobilizing communities to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other life-threatening emergencies.

Establish Strong Community Partnerships

• Enhance Relationships. Strengthen relationships with members of Congress, State Legislatures, Governors, Federal and State Executive Branch Officials and agencies with jurisdiction over Red Cross areas of interest.
• Grass Roots. Improve communications and relationships between local American Red Cross chapters, blood regions, BOG members and senior NHQ staff with federal and state lawmakers and executive branch agency officials. Continue to create opportunities to place local Red Crossers before state and federal officials through Hill visits, site visits, orientations, briefings, March Red Cross Month events, etc. The outcome of these would be to educate, increase awareness and increase support of Red Cross services and programs.

Strengthen Our Role in Preparedness and Response

• Preparedness and Response Leader. Continue to work with the Federal Government especially the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services and the nation's Governors to further increase the nation's capacity to prepare for and respond to natural and manmade disasters. Advocate for enactment of legislation in support of Preparedness and Response goals.
• Eligibility for DHS Grants. Where appropriate, advocate for inclusion in first responder grants allowing local chapters to apply for critical infrastructure grants directly to the Department of Homeland Security.
• Pandemic Flu. In coordination with field leadership, support efforts to ensure participation in federal, state and local pandemic influenza planning.
• Enhance Protections for Volunteers and Voluntary Organizations. Advocate and support federal efforts to increase liability protection for volunteer disaster workers engaged in hazardous preparedness and response activity. Seek collaboration and support for additional legislative and regulatory initiatives that would benefit American Red Cross and nonprofit community volunteers.
• Red Cross Training Standard. Build support for the Red Cross Health and Safety training as a recognized state and federal standard.

STRATEGIC GOAL: Strengthen our financial base, infrastructure and support system to continuously improve our service delivery system.

• Red Cross Charter Amendments. Advocate for enactment of Federal legislation addressing necessary changes to the Congressional Charter of the American Red Cross.
• FDA Briefings. Brief key policymakers on progress toward full FDA compliance to provide the safest possible blood supply to the American public.
• International Services. Educate relevant Congressional committees on Red Cross International Services programs and International Humanitarian Law.
• AFES. Educate and engage Members of Congress and staff to the mission and benefits of the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services programs.
• Nonprofit Sector Partnerships and Leadership. Foster productive relationships of cooperation and coordination with other nonprofit organizations in Washington and with state advocacy associations.

STRATEGIC GOAL: Inspire a new generation of volunteers and supporters to enrich our traditional base of support.

• Blood Services. Involve federal and state officials in raising awareness to increase donor participation to maintain a stable, sustained blood supply.
• Diversity Outreach. In collaboration with Congress, Governors, state legislators and our partners in diversity, increase outreach and involvement of diverse communities.