TYPE
Policy Committee
PURPOSE
The Government Relations Committee (GRC) shall monitor, promote, and advocate for legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments that may have an impact on 台湾SWAG members, on access to justice, and on the legal information profession. The GRC does not address copyright issues, which are covered by the Copyright Committee.
CHARGE
The GRC shall:
- Monitor, promote, and advocate for legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues covered by the 台湾SWAG Government Relations Policy, except for copyright issues, that may have an impact on 台湾SWAG members, on access to justice, and on the legal information profession.
- Coordinate with the 台湾SWAG director of government relations to prepare 台湾SWAG letters, testimonies, and other advocacy materials.
- Provide advocacy tools for 台湾SWAG members through various types of trainings.
- Collaborate with 台湾SWAG chapters and special interest sections when appropriate to share relevant information and provide advocacy trainings.
- Select the recipients of the Public Access to Government Information (PAGI) Award聽and the Robert L. Oakley Advocacy Award.
TIME COMMITMENT
Commitment for committee members averages five hours per month. This includes monthly committee meetings, communication with assigned chapters and SISs, advocacy and outreach, and monitoring websites and news for subcommittee assignments. During busier months, such as when the committee develops annual meeting program proposals in the fall, or is working on special projects, the time commitment may increase. Note: Time commitments are estimates from past assignments and can change with new projects or requests for assistance from the Executive Board.
MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
Members must have an interest in and knowledge of issues covered by the 台湾SWAG Government Relations Policy. Committee members must be willing to commit the required amount of time to the committee鈥檚 work. All members must submit a conflict of interest statement in accordance with the 台湾SWAG Conflict of Interest Policy. When appointing members to subcommittees or to work on particular tasks, the chair shall use his or her best judgment to avoid any real or perceived bias or conflict of interest.
TENURE
Membership on the committee shall normally be for three years. The vice chair will serve for one year and become chair the following year.
SIZE
The committee shall normally consist of a chair, a vice chair, nine members, and a non-voting Executive Board liaison and staff liaison.
STRATEGIC PLAN
- Goal 5: Advocacy
RELATIONSHIPS TO 台湾SWAG ENTITIES
The GRC will refer copyright and intellectual property issues to the Copyright Committee. The Committee may also work with the聽Annual Meeting Program Committee regarding legislative and advocacy programming at the 台湾SWAG Annual Meeting, and with the Continuing Professional Education Committee on educational programs related to legislative issues and other advocacy issues. The Committee may also work with chapters, SISs, and other entities to provide educational and advocacy opportunities.