California Federation of Republican Women
Affiliated with the National Federation of Republican Women
Kathleen Brugger, CFRW President

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Support our Advocacy Program

CFRW began as a study club in 1925. The aim was to educate ourselves in all aspects of Republicanism, and through that knowledge, to educate others. During the term of CFRW President, Eisa Sandstrom in 1970-1971, the first statewide spring conference, emphasizing legislation was held in Sacramento. President Oma Umhey (1972-1973) featured legislative workshops at the convention in San Francisco.

President Marie Solberg (1974-1975) followed suggestions by then Governor Ronald Reagan and other legislators, that the Federation should be a viable force in the legislative process. President Solberg appointed Nancy Efllers as legislative advocate to serve as liaison with the Legislature. Per capita dues to the State Federation were 15 cents. At that time, due to lack of money, implementing a true advocacy program proved to be impossible

President Jackie Harker (1976-1977), having given considerable thought to the mechanics of a structured advocacy program, initiated some positive aspects to it. Nancy Ehlers became an accredited lobbyist and Issues Chairmen were appointed. They became a research group and analyzed bills in order to provide information to the Federation and establish knowledgeable positions. The approval of a 25 cents dues increase passed at the 1976 state convention made it possible.

The issues studied and analyzed have changed through the years as the need has arisen. Originally they consisted of Agriculture, Business, Education, Election Laws, Energy, Health and Welfare, Judicial Reform and Law Enforcement, Land Use, and Taxation. As time went on, experience showed it was wiser to limit the number of issues to seven, giving the lobbyist (advocate) adequate time to follow all the bills in each issue. In 1972 the issues were Agriculture, Education, Election Laws, Health, Family Issues, Aging, and Law Enforcement.

A legislative newsletter, CANVASSING THE CAPITOL, was established to inform the membership of CFRW's positions and to provide a means of communication between the lobbyist and issues chairmen to the members.

The first official Advocacy Workshop was in 1976 and held in Sacramento to give an opportunity for Republican legislators to inform Federation members about their activities, problems and matters of interest, and to make these Republican legislators aware of the Federation in its new capacity as a cohesive, well-informed lobbying group.

Nancy Ehlers, the Advocate, conducted all of the program's activities at her home. President Charlotte Mousel (1978-1979) saw the need to have an office closer to the Capitol. In 1978, LA.S.O.F. (Legislative Advocate's Sacramento Office Fund) was approved by CFRW s Board of Directors. It was a voluntary contribution from individuals, clubs, counties and divisions. In 1979, a small office two blocks from the Capitol was rented. With borrowed furniture and minimal equipment, the office was made functional.

President Lola Brekke (1980-1981) realized that the Advocacy program had done very well with donations and mostly volunteer labor, but the need for a stable budget and more personnel was imperative if it were to continue. President Brekke appointed a committee to study the program and report on its history, its current status and future options. At the 1981 state convention, delegates voted to continue the program but postponed any change in funding.

During President Ellie Ashmore's term (1982-1983), Nancy Ehlers, Advocate, resigned. A committee was appointed by President Ashmore to find a successor. Debra Beck became the new Advocate. Office furniture was purchased and a computer bill tracking service subscription began. A $2.00 increase in dues to be earmarked for the Advocacy program was voted by delegates at the 1983 convention.

President Donna Sharp (1984-1985) appointed a task force to coordinate and make a record of all the job descriptions, policies and procedures of the program. There was a need for such a manual as personnel and Federation leaders change.

Debra Beck resigned to take an appointment from Governor Deukmejian and Ellenor Howell became the Advocate in 1985.President Barbara Magleby (1986-1987) instituted yearly orientation and planning meetings of the Issues Chairmen and Division Presidents. Issues Chairmen began analyzing ballot propositions in addition to legislative bills. The Federation's recommended positions were published in CANVASSING THE CAPITOL.

Our Advocacy Handbook describes the way CFRW takes a position on legislation.

President June Wallin (1988-1989) introduced an additional funds program to enhance the Advocacy purpose. The Advocates are members, units/clubs or divisions or individuals that donate $250 a year to help underwrite our program. They are entitled to certain privileges and benefits at Board of Directors meetings and conventions. In 1995 the term Advocates was changed to Ambassadors.

President Ella Mae Butterfield (1990-1991) continued the leadership and support for the program and encouraged the Advocates' donation program. The format of the annual Advocacy Workshop was changed to include panel discussions by legislators in addition to presentations by individual speakers. This procedure was continued in President Marcella Whitmore's (1992-1993) term of office.

President Sheila Carroll (1994-1995) supported and enacted funding to bring our Advocate's office into the 21 st Century with the use of new technology. The Board hired Kathryn Nelson Turner as CFRW s new advocate. CFRW introduced legislation for the first time, thus enabling CFRW to be a real force in the legislative arena.

CFRW s Advocacy program is unique in the whole NFRW structure and becomes more vital than ever by working with Republicans legislators and keeping the member informed and involved.