Grassroots Ambassadors

Grassroots Ambassador program connects GCSAA members directly with elected officials

Serve the industry

• Grassroots Ambassador roster


• Grassroots Ambassador Leadership Award
  • The Grassroots Ambassador Leadership award honors individual Ambassadors who have demonstrated growth in advocacy through direct outreach to members of congress. This award is presented in partnership with The Toro Co.

Overview

GCSAA is taking its government relations efforts to the next level. We are looking for GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors. The goal is to match a member of GCSAA with each member of Congress, and to build strong relationships between them. The program will establish a network of committed volunteers to serve as the “go-to” people for lawmakers and their staff on golf course management issues. There are many ways to connect with Congress, but remember, the most important thing you can do as a Grassroots Ambassador is share your story. Download the Grassroots Ambassador brochure.

Ambassador eligibility and commitment

GCSAA is seeking enthusiastic, motivated members to serve as a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors. The link between the Member of Congress and the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador is based on golf facility location, if possible. Also, GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors need to belong to an affiliated chapter.

Terms begin on a quarterly basis in the months of January, April, July, and October.

Ambassador training and education

Ambassadors will receive the tools and training needed to become effective advocates for the profession. Resources include a welcome packet to be sent upon signing up, access to online advocate training videos available on demand in Ambassador Central, and invitations to participate in advocacy webinars throughout the year.

GCSAA offers the Grassroots Ambassador Academy at the annual GCSAA Conference and Trade Show where ambassadors interact with grassroots trainers and learn the art of political engagement. Ambassador Academy is by invitation only.

Grassroots Ambassadors are awarded GCSAA education points:

• .1 points per training webinar (issues training or training on the “how to of advocacy). 0.1 points will be added to your transcript after a webinar concludes via the participant roster. Or 0.1 points will be added to your transcript if you self report you watched the webinar via archive.
• .05 points for participating in the National Golf Day issues training webinar.
• .35 points for attending Grassroots Ambassador Academy at the Golf Industry Show.

Service points:

• .25 service points for each in-person meeting with your assigned Member of Congress or their staff and reporting that activity to Michael Lee (such as attending a town hall meeting, hosting a golf course site visit, attending a federal or state lobby day, meeting at the district office, etc.).

Contact Michael Lee, at mlee@gcsaa.org or 785-832-3619 for more information.