Taking Part in Setting the Agenda

The DAV’s mission to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families lies at the heart of our organization’s legislative advocacy. It is the resolutions approved by the delegates at the National Convention that direct our organization in seeking the best programs for disabled veterans or to oppose programs that would be detrimental to veterans.

Resolutions are usually developed at the Chapter level and then are voted on at Department conventions. If approved, they are submitted to the National Convention and its committees for consideration. A resolution becomes part of the legislative program only after it has been approved by delegates to the National Convention.

“We want all of our members to take part in the process,” said National Legislative Director Joseph Violante. “The primary criteria that our members should consider are that legislative or administrative resolutions enhance our mission of service to disabled veterans and their families. They should be reasonable, effective and clear while maintaining allegiance to our mission.”

The DAV’s legislative staff is available to assist in developing appropriate resolutions. A helpful pamphlet, “The Legislative Process and You,” is available for downloading from the DAV website at www.dav.org/voters/LegislativeProcess.aspx.

“What we have accomplished over the past 92 years is a result of our resolution process,” said Violante. “Each day, our legislative staff works to shape government policy to pursue what is right for disabled veterans. In doing that, we follow the directions of our members, because more than anyone they know what our government must do to meet the needs of disabled veterans.

“Each year, the struggle to shape government policy to enhance programs and services for wartime disabled veterans continues unabated,” he continued. “Our membership should join the struggle by adding their voice to the legislative process.”

With Department Conventions soon to take place around our nation, Chapters need to start the process by soliciting, reviewing and voting on possible resolutions. “It’s all part of the responsibility of DAV membership,” said Violante. “We’re responsible to our fellow veterans. Exercising that responsibility helps ensure that the nation will keep the promise made to disabled veterans and their families.”