who receives napus pac funds?

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
NAPUS PAC
2
Why A NAPUS PAC
3
NAPUS PAC and Political Campaigns
4
Who Receives NAPUS PAC Funds
5
NAPUS PAC Organizational Chart
6
Chapter PAC Committee Chairman
Duties and Responsibilities
PAC Supply Kits
Solicitation of PAC Funds
Restrictions on Solicitations
Unsolicited Contributions
Processing PAC Receipts
Electronic PAC (ePAC)
7
7
8
9
10
PAC Chapter Incentive Programs
Annual PAC Chapter Competition
Annual Millennium Award
PAC Lapel Pins and Ribbons
E-PAC Forever Pins and ePAC Ribbons
18
18
19
19
NAPUS PAC Program Maintenance
20
Questions and Answers
21
Definition of Words and Terms
22
Appendix of Forms
10
11 - 13
14 - 17
19
NAPUS PAC
NAPUS PAC for Postmasters, a multi-candidate Political Action Committee
(PAC) Fund, was established in 1978. The fund is comprised of voluntary
contributions solicited from National Association of Postmasters of the United States
(NAPUS) members and their families. The sole purpose of NAPUS PAC is to provide
bipartisan political and financial support to Members of Congress and congressional
candidates who champion the NAPUS legislative agenda. NAPUS PAC contributions
are legally separate from the NAPUS operating budget and the Federal Election
Commission (FEC) strictly regulates the funds.
NAPUS PAC is usually a congressional candidate’s first contact with NAPUS.
A strong PAC enables NAPUS to alert legislators of key postmaster legislative issues.
An aggressive PAC also demonstrates that postmasters will financially support
legislators and candidates who respond to the needs of NAPUS members.
It is for these reasons that PAC Chairs must promote “NAPUS PAC for
Postmasters” at every opportunity. It is imperative that Chapter Officers and all
NAPUS members boost PAC participation – both active and retired postmasters.
NAPUS PAC contributions should be encouraged in all chapter publications, chapter
and district meetings, and during one-to-one communications between postmasters.
The National PAC Chair and the NAPUS Department of Government Relations will
highlight the PAC in the “Postmasters Gazette”, the “e-NAPUS Legislative and
Political Bulletin”, and the NAPUS Website.
2
WHY A NAPUS PAC?
NAPUS PAC for Postmasters helps elect Members of Congress who will
support legislation benefiting active and retired postmasters. NAPUS is legally
permitted to communicate with Members of Congress, the White House, and Federal
Agencies, and to provide political education to NAPUS members. However, federal
law prohibits NAPUS from making campaign contributions to candidates for federal
office. Membership dues are not permitted for such use. Consequently, NAPUS
offers postmasters and their families a means to financially support federal candidates.
This is achieved through a “separate segregated fund” known as a Political Action
Committee (PAC). NAPUS PAC solicitations provide potential contributors a clear
explanation that the funds are for political campaign contributions.
NAPUS PAC is recognized within the political community as an exemplary
performer with an outstanding track record. Our PAC is more effective than
postmasters individually making contributions to particular candidates. Postmasters,
retirees and their families are encouraged to participate in the political process through
the strength of their pooled contributions. The results have a greater impact than small
scattered efforts. NAPUS PAC allows postmasters to make one coordinated effort to
support our allies in Congress, and to candidates that will support our legislative
issues. The fact that the contributions are made to candidates in the name of NAPUS
PAC fosters positive identification between the candidate and NAPUS.
In addition, NAPUS PAC maximizes our lobbying efforts, by providing
additional access to Members of Congress. NAPUS officers, NAPUS members, and
staff attend political events which are associated with a PAC contribution to an
incumbent or candidate.
3
NAPUS PAC & POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS
Election results can boost or block our legislative agenda. Promoting a strong
and vibrant NAPUS PAC helps elevate postmasters’ visibility in political campaigns.
In this way, NAPUS can help shape the composition of the next Congress and have an
impact upon its priorities.
NAPUS PAC campaign contributions are an essential aspect of conveying to the
incumbent or the candidate for Congress our support. It is a tangible expression of
agreement with his or her individual goals. Contributions help to advance the reelection of our friends in congress.
Money is the “mother’s milk” of politics. Office-seekers need money to run an
effective campaign. Mail, television, radio, and travel all strain the financial resources
of most campaigns. The cost for candidates to educate the public about themselves and
their legislative positions currently runs in the millions of dollars. As a result,
candidates seek funds from various PAC groups to ensure a winning congressional
campaign. NAPUS PAC continues to be the most aggressive and successful postal
management PAC. Members of Congress and congressional candidates recognize that
NAPUS Postmasters have a politically active membership.
However, we are not alone. Many for-profit Postal Service competitors (e.g.,
UPS) are also major campaign PAC contributors. They have exploited their vast
financial resources to undermine the Postal Service, the institution that helps support
our families. This is one of many reasons that postmasters must contribute generously
to NAPUS PAC. NAPUS’ involvement in the political process provides you with
direct access to the policy makers who can pass laws and regulations that will directly
affect your lives.
4
WHO RECEIVES NAPUS PAC FUNDS?
NAPUS PAC uses many factors to determine how much or if a candidate for
federal office will receive financial support. NAPUS PAC uses a “candidate
questionnaire” to help evaluate the candidates. In addition, questions that should be
asked when assessing an incumbent Member of Congress includes:
 Is the Member of Congress on the Committee of jurisdiction over the Postal Service?
 Is the Member in a Leadership position, or has seniority in Congress? What is his/her
ability to influence legislation?
 Is the Member of Congress on a key Committee, such as Appropriations, Budget,
Commerce, Rules, or Ways and Means?
 Is the Member of Congress a sponsor or cosponsor of a bill which benefits
postmasters?
 Does the Member have a good “voting record” on key postmaster legislation?
 Can the incumbent win reelection?
 Is the Member of Congress accessible to postmasters during Hill office visits and
during visits in the home districts?
With the help of postmasters throughout the country, we are able to identify candidates
with a serious chance to win the seat they are seeking. Several factors are considered:






The strength of campaign manager
the potency of the campaign staff
the polling numbers of the candidate
the ability to raise campaign funds
the historical performance of the candidate’s party in the district
the satisfactory completion of the “NAPUS Candidate Survey”
In an effort to assure that the candidate recognizes NAPUS postmasters whom they
will represent, the Government Relations Department encourages individual postmasters or
small groups to attend fund-raising events in congressional districts. (The Department will
notify the Legislative Chair or PAC Chair of events.) As a result, when postmasters need to
visit with a Member in the district office or on Capitol Hill, the doors of communication are
open and inviting.
5
Candidates for the House and Senate of the United States Congress are all eligible to
receive funds from our PAC—State representatives and gubernatorial campaigns are
ineligible.
NAPUS PAC ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
The Government Relations Department coordinates the activities of
NAPUS PAC, and is guided by the Director of Government Relations and
the PAC Manager at the NAPUS National Office.
The Director of Government Relations advises the National President and
the PAC Manager on PAC and political issues. The director advises in the
development of strategy to raise PAC funds and in identifying potential
candidates deserving of NAPUS’ support. The director serves as the
registered treasurer of NAPUS PAC and is legally responsible for the
accuracy of all Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings.
The NAPUS PAC Manager administers NAPUS PAC and is the primary
contact between chapter PAC Chairs and the Government Relations
Department. The PAC Manager oversees all PAC activity, including
ensuring that receipts and disbursements are accounted accurately and
makes sure that all required PAC reports are complete, timely and in
compliance with FEC regulations. The PAC Manager serves as the
registered assistant treasurer of NAPUS PAC.
The National PAC Committee Chairman will consult periodically with the
Director of Government Relations and/or the PAC Manager on PAC
solicitation and political issues. The National PAC Chairman’s primary
responsibility is to encourage, support, and enhance the efforts of the PAC
chairs in each Chapter. National PAC Chairman will also coordinate
legislative efforts with the National Legislative Committee Chairman.
The Chapter PAC Chairs are responsible for soliciting PAC funds at all
6
chapter events. In addition, in consultation with the Government Relations
Department, the chairs should develop innovative techniques to solicit
chapter members. (See duties and responsibilities.) The chairs work closely
with the Chapter Legislative Chairs to establish close contacts in
congressional offices.
CHAPTER PAC COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
Each chapter president should appoint a PAC Chair and enough committee
members to carry out an effective PAC Program in the chapter. Both postmasters
and/or retired postmasters can serve on the committee.
The chapter president should provide the NAPUS PAC Manager with the name,
address, phone number and effective date of the newly appointed PAC chair as soon as
the appointment is made. The PAC Manager will provide training and assistance to the
Chapter PAC chair.
Duties and Responsibilities
As the Chairman of your chapter’s PAC Program, you should:
1.
Solicit funds at chapter events and area/district meetings – Create district or
zone competitions within your state where possible.
2.
In consultation with your Chapter President, the National PAC Chairman,
Director of Government Relations and/or the NAPUS PAC Manager,
implement creative contacts, correspondence and incentives in your Chapter.
3.
Write a monthly PAC article for your chapter magazine – Contact your Chapter
Editor to encourage a permanent space in the state paper for your PAC article.
Report on your PAC goal, human interest stories relating to PACs and/or in
general regarding PACs.
4.
Maintain accurate records of all receipts collected in the chapter
5.
Make sure a complete PAC envelope is prepared for each contribution received
(this is an FEC requirement)
6.
Prepare and forward all contributions to the bank lock box using the PO Box or
to the NAPUS PAC Manager at the national office using the 8 Herbert Street
Address. (See “Processing PAC Receipts” for complete details)
7
7.
Attend the Annual Leadership Conference for training seminars whenever
possible. The training received at the Conference and networking with other
PAC chairs can be priceless.
PAC Supply Kits
PAC chairs should be prepared to solicit and accept PAC contributions as soon
as possible following their appointment by carrying a supply of PAC items to every
NAPUS event.
How to Order and when to order PAC supplies:
All PAC supplies are stored at the National Office. To order a supply kit for your
chapter’s PAC program, immediately contact NAPUS PAC at:
Telephone: 703/683-9027
Fax: 703/683-0923
e-mail - [email protected]
Attn: Cora Lee Martins
NAPUS PAC for Postmasters
8 Herbert Street
Alexandria VA 22305-2600
If you have early district, area or organizational meetings, you will need supplies for
those meetings and enough to last until your state convention. Make sure you order
convention supplies at least four weeks prior to your departure for the convention site. If you
have late-fall meetings you will need to order additional supplies immediately after the annual
national convention. Order forms are included in the appendix in the back of this manual.
What Supplies Should Be Ordered and How Much
In an effort to curb the cost of PAC supplies and incentives, we dispense supplies on an asneeded basis. This helps our goal to run a successful program throughout all the chapters. When
ordering supplies, in consultation with the NAPUS PAC Manager, consider the following:




How many postmasters are registered for your meeting or state convention
How many items were actually used in your chapter last year
Do you have a plan to use more of certain categories of pins in your chapter
What was the chapter’s prior year total PAC receipts
Your Supply Kit may include:
 A PAC manual
 A current computer printout of your chapter’s receipts
8




PAC envelopes (use for each individual contribution)
PAC lapel pins (dispense appropriate pin for each level)
PAC lapel ribbons (use for each $10 or more contribution)
ePAC supplies and worksheets
Solicitation of PAC Funds
The Government Relations Department at the NAPUS National Office
sends an annual direct-mail solicitation to all NAPUS members for NAPUS
PAC contributions. All contributions received as a result of that solicitation
are applied toward each chapter’s solicitation effort for the year. For FEC
purposes, contributions will be credited to a chapter according to the
member’s home address or “address of record” on file with the national
office.
At chapter conventions, area/district meetings:
 Make prior arrangements with your chapter president to speak from
the podium at the first business session. Confirm your presentation
prior to your arrival at the event. Present a brief overview of the
PAC program at that time and a statement of the “goal” for that
event.
 Request several minutes at the beginning of the session each
morning to report on the progress of the “goal” and to present any
awards and incentives, if applicable.
 Arrange for a PAC table to be located adjacent to the meeting area.
This will be convenient for postmasters to make their
contributions.
 Ask each Area/State Officer to encourage support of the event goal
and your annual goal, whenever possible.
9
 Work closely with your chapter Legislative Chair and Legislative
Committee members.
Restrictions on Solicitations
Who Can Be Solicited
Solicit PAC contributions from NAPUS members and members of their
immediate families only. Do not solicit contributions from non-members. Any form
of solicitation whether written or oral must adhere to the following FEC regulations:
 Solicitations of PAC funds are prohibited in federal buildings (Post
offices are federal buildings)
 Solicitations for PAC funds via the mail must be addressed directly to a
member’s home address (a post office box is considered the home address
of the box holder)
 National and chapter publications can be addressed to a postmaster at the
post office with news items related to the PAC program provided no
solicitation be made for funds.
 A solicitation cannot use threats of physical force, job, or financial
reprisals (each person solicited must be informed that they may refuse to
contribute without reprisals)
 Do not accept funds written from your chapter account as a PAC
contribution
 Membership dues are not permitted for use as a contribution to the PAC
fund. Do not accept monies from your chapter’s account
 Each person solicited must be informed that the funds will be used for
political purposes
 If the solicitation suggests a specific contribution amount, it must also
inform the person solicited that (1) the suggestion is merely a guideline
and he/she is free to contribute more or less than suggested and (2) that
NAPUS will neither favor nor disadvantage anyone by reason of the
amount of his/her contribution or a decision not to contribute.
10
Unsolicited Contributions
Nonmembers may contribute to our PAC under their own initiative. However,
an unsolicited contribution may not be accepted if it is from a:
1.
2.
national bank
foreign nationals
3.
4.
government contractor
a corporation
PROCESSING PAC RECEIPTS
The NAPUS Political Action Committee guidelines for processing PAC
contributions must comply with FEC regulations. The process also seeks to expedite
the process from receipt of the contribution to providing reports to our membership.
All Chapter PAC programs should strictly adhere to the following federal rules:

Make certain each contributor accurately completes a
PAC contribution card or envelope – include:
PAC ENVELOPE
WITH DATE
COMPLETE
NAME & ADDRESS
MEMBER
ID NUMBER
CONTRIBUTION
AMOUNT
 Do not open a separate bank account for PAC contributions.
 Do not deposit grouped PAC contributions in your chapter’s account,
then send to NAPUS PAC in the form of a chapter check.
 Do not deposit grouped PAC contributions in your personal account, then
send to NAPUS PAC in the form of a personal check.
 Do not accept a contribution from your chapter’s account. Those funds
are membership dues and cannot be used for PAC.
 Do not deduct expenses from stamps or the cost of money orders from
collected PAC contributions. Ask your Chapter to help you run you
program by providing a small operating line item in the budget.
11
Submit Contributions in a timely manner:
Do not hold on to contributions until a chosen date or event. Under federal law,
a PAC contribution under $50 should be deposited into the PAC account no later than
ten (10) days after receipt from contributor.
Organize contributions into the following three categories
CASH CONTRIBUTIONS
Convert all cash to money order ASAP

Immediately convert multiple cash contributions to a money order or
cashier’s check.

Keep all cash contribution envelopes with the money order. Envelopes
total and amount of money order should balance. Send to: Attn NAPUS
PAC
8 Herbert Street, Alexandria VA 22305-2600. Never send cash
contribution envelopes and money orders to the PO Box Bank address.

Submit all group cash, i.e. pass the hat, raffle, contests, etc. by money
order or cashier’s check and include a note with the following
information:
-
Indicate the date of the event where the funds were collected
A description of the event where the funds were collected
An estimate of how many people contributed
One or more completed contribution envelopes. Contributions
12
received through miscellaneous fund raisers are usually credited to
the Chapter PAC chair.
- All PAC funds must be connected to a NAPUS member.
- Send the completed packet to:
Attn: Cora Martins
NAPUS PAC FOR POSTMASTERS
8 HERBERT STREET
ALEXANDRIA VA 22305-2600
CHECK CONTRIBUTIONS
When the PAC envelope is complete, INCLUDING the member ID number:

Place one check inside each completed PAC contribution envelope. Each
envelope must include the member ID number in the space provided. DO NOT
SEAL THE ENVELOPES.

Bundle envelopes together (without stamp) into one packet. Mail packet to:
NAPUS PAC FOR POSTMASTERS
PO BOX 75256
BALTIMORE MD 21275-5256
When the PAC envelope DOES NOT include the member ID number:

If member ID number is not available, do not send the check and contribution
envelope to the PO Box bank address above.

Bundle envelopes with no member ID number into one packet and mail directly
to:
NAPUS PAC for Postmasters
8 Herbert Street
Alexandria, VA 22305-2600
13
CREDIT CARD CONTRIBUTIONS
ALL credit card contributions must be process at NAPUS Headquarters. Do not
send credit card contribution envelopes to the PO Box Bank address.



You may accept any major credit card with the exception of American Express.
It is no longer required that the credit card be issued by the NAPUS FCU.
Verify the accuracy of the credit card number and the expiration date written on
the PAC envelope. Contribution envelopes that do not include both the
complete Visa card number and valid card expiration date cannot be processed.
Bundle PAC envelopes with credit card information together and mail to:
Cora Martins, 8 Herbert Street, Alexandria VA 22305-2600
e-PAC
ELECTRONIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO NAPUS PAC
Innovative and Painless Choices to Contribute to PAC
NAPUS PAC provides four (4) innovative, convenient and secure ways for
active and retired postmasters to support Members of Congress and congressional
candidates who work to protect your title of Postmaster, safeguard your earned benefits
and annuity, protect your health insurance, and who defends your post offices.
1. PostalEase – For NAPUS Active Postmasters
Active Postmasters can use the established, confidential and secure PostalEase
salary allotment system to make a “direct deposit” from their paycheck to NAPUS
PAC. Each postmaster currently has available for use one “Net-to-Bank “transaction
(your payroll direct deposited to bank) plus two allotments through PostalEASE.
Always prepare the PostalEase Allotments/Net-to-Bank Worksheet in the block below
before contacting PostalEase.
PostalEase Allotment
By Telephone
Complete the PostalEase Allotments/Net-to-Bank
Worksheet in the block below before contacting
PostalEase.
14
Have the following information ready when you call PostalEase:
 Your USPS Personal Identification Number (Pin)
 Your completed PostalEase Allotment Worksheet, including the routing
number for the NAPUS bank (054001220) and the NAPUS PAC account
number (eight 7’s plus your social security number) as shown in the
worksheet.
Call PostalEase toll-free at 1-877-477-3273
 When prompted, select PostalEase, enter your Employee ID and your PIN.
 Follow the script and prompts to complete the transaction using the
information from your completed PostalEase Allotments/Net-To-Bank
Worksheet.
After completing your entries, you will hear and should record the following:
 Confirmation Number _________________
 Your allotment will be processed on this date: ____________
 Your allotment will be reflected in your paycheck that is dated __________
 Please keep this information and your PostalEase Allotments/Net-To-Bank
Worksheet.
Note: If you have forgotten your four-digit PIN, dial 1-877-477-3273 to have
PostalEase mail your PIN to your home address. Should you have trouble using PostalEase,
you may contact your local personnel office for assistance. If you have other questions,
please contact Cora Lee Martins, NAPUS PAC Manager at 703-683-9027 or
[email protected]
PostalEase Allotment
On Line
Complete the PostalEase Allotments/Net-to-Bank
Worksheet in the block below before contacting
PostalEase.
 Log on the www.liteblue.usps.gov. You must have your employee ID and PIN
number to log-in.
 Click on “PostalEase,” “I agree,” Enter Employee ID and PIN again and log in
 Click on “Allotments/Payroll NTB,” “Continue,” choose “Allotments,”
 Enter Bank Routing Number (from worksheet), enter account number (see
worksheet), enter account type as “checking,” enter amount of contribution,
15
 Click “Validate,” “Submit,” “Print Page” to obtain your confirmation number for
your records.
PostalEase Allotments/Net-To-Bank Worksheet
1. Allotment #1
_X Begin (add) an Allotment ___ Cancel an Allotment ___Change an Allotment
Enter your 9 digit Financial Institution Routing Number (PAC Routing Number)
054001220
Your Account Number To Be Credited 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ Enter your social security number to complete your 17- digit account number
Type of Account: __ Savings
_X Checking
Amount of new or changed allotment: $_____________________
2.OPM – For NAPUS Postmasters Retired
Postmasters Retired may make automated contributions to PAC from their
monthly annuity. You will need your Civil Service Administration (CSA) number and
your Office of Personnel Management (OPM) PIN number. OPM provides three (3)
easy ways to sign up – telephone, on-line, or mail.
OPM Annuity Allotment
By Telephone
Have your CSA number and Personal Identification
Number (PIN) on hand when you call.
 Dial 1-888-767-6738, the toll-free number for the Office of Personnel
Management (OPM) Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone system.
 You may speak to an OPM Customer Service Representative, or you may use
the automated system.
 Simply follow the prompts provided in the telephone system.
OPM Annuity Allotment
On-Line
Have your CSA number and Personal Identification
Number (PIN) on hand when you call.
16
 Log on to www.opm.gov
a. Click on “Employment and Benefits”
b. Click on “Retirement Benefits”
c. Under Retirement Services, Click on “Service Online”
d. Enter your CSA number and Pin Number, and log in
e. Click on “Allotments to Organizations”
f. Select “Start” To begin a new allotment
g. Click on “Choose an organization” and select the National Association of
Postmasters of the US-NAPUS PAC
h. Enter the amount of your monthly contribution, click SAVE
The amount you key in will be your monthly allotment to NAPUS PAC. The
start of your allotment will depend on the time of the month it is requested. If you
make your request during the first two weeks of the month, expect the withholding to
take place the first of the following month. If the allotment is requested after the first
two weeks of the month, the change will take place the second month after the request
is made.
OPM Annuity Allotment
By Mail
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
RETIREMENT OPERATIONS CENTER
BOYERS PA 16017
Mail your request to the address above. Be sure to include your full name and
address, CSA Number, the amount you wish to contribute each month, and the
organization – National Association of Postmasters of the US-NAPUS PAC. Send a
copy of the letter to Cora Martins at NAPUS to ensure proper credit is given to you and
your chapter. NAPUS PAC for Postmasters, 8 Herbert Street, Alexandria, VA 223052600.
Note: Retirees who do not have a Pin can obtain one by contacting OPM by telephone
at 1-888-767-6738; in writing at Office of Personnel Management, Retirement Operations
Center, Boyers, PA 16017; or online at www.opm.gov. Your Pin will be forwarded to you by
mail.
3. NAPUS Federal Credit Union Transfer
17
NAPUS members, both active and retired, who are members of the NAPUS FCU
may authorize the transfer of funds directly from their NAPUS FCU account to
NAPUS PAC on whatever frequency they choose by completing the Authorization
Agreement for Direct Transfers to NAPUS PAC form. Forms are available from Cora
Martins at [email protected] or by calling 703-683-9027. A copy of the
Authorization Form is also found in the back of this handbook and may be copied as
needed. Authorization forms are mailed to Cora Martins at NAPUS PAC, 8 Herbert
Street, Alexandria VA 22305-2600
4. Recurring Credit Card Authorization
NAPUS members may authorize a recurring charge to their credit card by
completing the form for Authorization Agreement for Direct Credit Card Contributions
to NAPUS PAC. NAPUS FCU VISA, other VISA cards, and Master Cards are
accepted. Transactions may occur at the frequency selected on the Authorization form.
The credit card number and the expiration date must be kept current. When a new
expiration date is received from the issuing bank, members must notify Cora Martins at
[email protected] or 703-683-9027. Credit cards with expired expiration dates will
be declined by the issuing bank. Credit Card Authorization Agreement forms are
available from NAPUS PAC. A copy is also in the back of this handbook and may be
copied as needed.
PAC INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
(Annual PAC Chapter Competition subject to change each year)
NAPUS PAC Chairs participate in competition between the chapters to
recognize and award the performance of their respective chapter. PAC incentive
awards are presented annually at the Leadership and Legislative Conference for the
prior year’s performance. Each chapter competes within six categories. In Category I,
the chapters are grouped by the actual number of NAPUS members on the last day of
the prior year; chapters compete against other chapters of similar membership size. In
all other categories, chapters compete against their own prior performance. Three
awards are given in each of the categories. The first place winning chapters receive a
brass eagle trophy mounted on a wood base with engraved brass plate. Second place
winners receive a plaque with gold engraving. Third place winners receive a mounted
18
certificate.
Category I - Total Contributions Per Chapter By Membership Size
(Chapters within membership-size groups compete with each other.)
Category II - Greatest Percent Increase In Contribution Dollars Over Last Year.
(Each chapter is competing with its own prior year total contributions)
Category III - Greatest Dollar Amount In Contributions Per Member
(The number of members who do not contribute will bring this number down)
Category IV - Greatest Dollar Amount In Contributions Per Actual Contributor
(Only the actual number of members contributing affects this total)
Category V – Greatest Percent Increase In Number of Contributors Over Last Year
(Your Chapters ability to reach new contributors over last year.)
Category VI – Percent Increase In Number of ePAC Contributors Over Last Year
(Your Chapters ability to sign-up new ePAC contributors over last year.)
Millennium Award
One additional award is presented annually at the National
Convention. Members who contribute $1000 or more during the prior
calendar year are presented Millennium Awards in appreciation of their
dedication and commitment to NAPUS PAC and to the betterment of all
Postmasters.
PAC Lapel Pins and Ribbons Program
19
Each year, NAPUS PAC offers its contributors a lapel pin depicting
the level of their contribution. PAC contributions can accumulate in one
year and allow the contributor to upgrade to the next pin level. Pins are
redesigned and dated each year. PAC ribbons are given to all members who
contributor $10 or more. Ribbons and pins are worn with pride to convey a
members support and commitment to NAPUS PAC.
Silver Pin
$25 contributor
Gold Pin
$50 contributor
Gold Pins w/color stone
$100 contributor
Gold Pins w/color stone
$200 contributor
Presidential Diamond Pin
$500 contributor
Boxed Sets (of first four pins)
$250 (One-time contributor)
E-PAC Forever Pins and ePAC Ribbons Program
Unlike the annually dated PAC pins, the ePAC Pin is designed as a
permanent pin depicting a members desire to continuously support NAPUS
PAC through electronic means. The ePAC ribbon is positioned vertically
to highlight the contributor’s enrollment into one of the automated methods
of contributing to NAPUS PAC.
NAPUS PAC PROGRAM MAINTENANCE
NAPUS PAC is maintained by Robert Levi, treasurer and Cora Lee
Martins, assistant treasurer who are registered with the Federal Election
Commission. The treasurer and assistant treasurer for the PAC are
responsible for:
 Filing complete and accurate reports and statements on time
 Signing all reports and statements
 Depositing receipts in our designated bank within 10 days
20
 Authorizing expenditures
 Monitoring contributions to ensure compliance with the law’s limit
and prohibitions
 Preparing and maintaining the required records of receipts and
disbursement
NAPUS PAC uses VOCUS, an FEC approved PAC management
software package, to manage our program on a day to day basis. This
program enables us to:




Track receipts and disbursements to campaigns
Provide chapter and individual record reports
Print laser checks direct from accounting tracking
File FEC Reports electronically—effective January 1, 2000 FEC
regulations required that all reports be filed electronically.
Additionally, NAPUS PAC commissions an independent auditing firm
to provide annual audits of our records to assure accuracy of receipts and
disbursements.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q-1
How can I attend a fund-raising event in my congressional district?
A-1
When you become aware of an event, contact your NAPUS Government
Relations Department at least seven days prior to the event. Do not attend the
event and ask for reimbursement. NAPUS PAC cannot use PAC funds to
reimburse individuals.
Q-2
How do I respond when my Representative ask me to pledge monies from
21
NAPUS PAC?
A-2
Do not promise the Member of Congress or candidate NAPUS PAC money.
State that you will confer with the Government Relations Department.
Q-3
What are some of the types of activities permitted under the new Hatch Act
Reform Law?
A-3
Active or retired postmasters may serve as NAPUS PAC Chairs and on your
own time, you may:
 attend fund-raisers for political candidates
 make phone calls/answer phones/work phone banks for candidates
 stuff envelopes and distribute campaign literature
 work the polls on election day
 help with voter registration
For further information on the Hatch Act or to obtain a ruling on a
specific political activity, contact the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), 1730
M Street, NW, Ste. 218 Washington, DC 20036-4505 P. 1-800-85 HATCH
(1-800-854-2824) or 202-254-3650.
DEFINITION OF WORDS AND TERMS
Political Action Committee (PAC) - A separate segregated fund sponsored by a
“connected” organization, i.e. trade association or labor organization or corporation.
Separate Segregated Fund (SSF) - A political fund (NAPUS PAC) established for use
by the association (NAPUS) to support political candidates for federal office.
Connected Organization - An organization (NAPUS) that uses its treasury funds to
establish, administer or solicit contributions to a separate segregated fund.
22
Multi candidate Committee - A political committee that has been registered at least six
months, has more than 50 contributors and, with the exception of state party
committees, has made contributions to at least five candidates for federal office.
Federal Election Commission (FEC) - The agency that administers and enforces the
Federal Elections Campaign Act of 1971 as amended.
NAPUS Member – An individual who satisfies the requirement for membership,
accepts NAPUS’ invitation to become a member, pays annual dues set by the
organization, has voting rights to elect at least one of the highest elected officers and
the right to vote on policy questions.
PAC Solicitation - A straight forward request for contributions–providing information
on how to make a contribution— and/or statements encouraging support of the PAC.
Address of Record – The home address of a member on file with the NAPUS
membership records and where they receive written communications from NAPUS.
Affiliate Chapter – The chapter where a member of NAPUS pays their annual dues
which may be a different chapter from that of the member’s home chapter or Address
of Record.
Electronic PAC (ePAC) - A means to donate to NAPUS PAC automatically on a
recurring schedule by electronic transfer.
23