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Each day, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate receive hundreds of letters and e-mails from large corporations and well-funded special interest groups. It takes a concerted effort and a large number of letters, phone calls, e-mail messages, and telegrams to show elected representatives that there is a groundswell of concern about pending legislation. That's what DAV CAN is all about, getting lawmakers to act in the best interest of veterans.
"DAV CAN is the acronym of the DAV Commander's Action Network and it's like lightning in a bottle," DAV National Legislative Director Joseph A Violante said. "DAV members and their families who join DAV CAN are able to directly contact their elected representatives using language that will get their attention."
The Commander's Action Network will augment and use the tremendously successful DAV legislative issues web site. In the last seven months, DAV members used the site to send 17,000 e-mail messages to Congress and more than 1,200 people registered to become DAV grassroots activists. The DAV CAN will help increase that number through a coordinated, dedicated, vigorous grassroots campaign. By signing up members, supplying them with solid, factual information on critical veterans issues, DAV CAN becomes a coordinated, strategic, and goal oriented program.
"DAV CAN will remind members of Congress and their legislative aides that veterans remain a strong, vital political force in this country," the DAV National Commander said. "The DAV, through this network, will be able to bring to bear the collective clout of our members on issues that are critical to veterans."
The DAV CAN program will help DAV activists keep their elected representatives on notice that veterans issues are important to their constituents. DAV members, their families, and others who join DAV CAN will receive a package of information that includes postcards, sample letters, suggested letters to newspaper editors, phone calling information, and other materials to make them a vital part of the network. Those with computers can access the DAV web site (www.dav.org) to use the DAV Legislative Action site to send letters or e-mail messages to each of their elected representatives.
"It is through the dedication and perseverance of noble Americans like these that issues of honor are decided," Mr. Violante said. "Their commitment to serve disabled veterans and their families continues the tradition to repay the tremendous debt owed to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation's freedom and each citizen's personal liberties."
"By becoming a valued member of DAV CAN, you demonstrate your dedication and commitment to improving the lives of our nation's service-connected disabled veterans and their families," DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director David W. Gorman said. "By your active participation in DAV CAN, you will become an integral part of the DAV's grassroots legislative team."
To become a part of DAV CAN, contact:
Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
National Service and Legislative Headquarters
807 Maine Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024
or call (202) 554-3501
OR Email Us!
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