What does GAD stand for?
The abbreviation “GAD” is used nationwide in REALTOR® organizations for Government Affairs Director. The GAD is responsible for managing local government affairs for their assigned local associations.
What is the difference between a Shared GAD and a Regional GAD?
NC REALTORS® has two types of Government Affairs Directors.
- NCR® Shared GADs are contracted to one or two local associations, providing in depth, daily government affairs services. Participation in the Shared GAD program requires a financial investment from the Association. This investment allows your board to provide members with valuable services and build advocacy culture through a dedicated staff person, engaged in the daily political environment of your community.
- The term “Shared” means that the GAD is contracted to 1-2 local associations, but is a full-time staff member of the NCR® Government Affairs Team.
- NC REALTORS® Regional GADs work with multiple local associations (6-10) to facilitate Core Standards activities and RPAC initiations. Participation in the NCR® Regional GAD program is provided free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the NC REALTORS® Board of Directors. Regional GADs do not manage issue campaigns or work on day-to-day advocacy work.
- Click here for a more comprehensive comparison of the two programs. (Link to doc)
What is the goal of the NC REALTORS® GAD program?
The goal of the NC REALTORS® GAD program is to make sure that all local associations have a seat at the table when significant matters or real estate are before government, community organizations, and business leaders. Many decisions that affect your business and your clients are made at the local level, and a GAD can help you develop a strategy to address these issues.
How will my GAD assist my local Government Affairs or Legislative Committee?
Your GAD can work with you to develop agendas, execute work plans, and present issue updates to your local GAC. Your GAD works to keep your GAC, and your membership, up to date on local, state, and federal issues.
How will my GAD keep my members informed about government issues?
Your GAD is responsible for keeping your members informed about government issues through newsletter updates, attendance at membership meetings, or posts for social media. Your GAD is also available to give regular updates to your Board of Directors on state and federal REALTOR® issues. Shared GADs provide local updates as well.
How will my GAD assist with RPAC goals and local candidate funding?
Your GAD is your go-to team member for developing a strategy to hit all of your RPAC goals. Your GAD will help your Association build your local RPAC culture through office visits, educational materials, and regular updates on RPAC progress, in addition to applying for and executing RPAC fundraising events. GADs also work with your local RPAC Team to organize and coordinate local government candidate interviews and identify REALTOR® Champions.
How can my GAD help REALTORS® get engaged locally?
Shared GADs network within the political landscape of a community to proactively identify opportunities for REALTOR® engagement with elected officials, local government staff, and community partners. Shared GADs can secure guest speakers for your events from these connections and set up member meetings with elected officials on your Association’s behalf. Regional GADs will help you identify key stakeholders, create a strategy for building relationships with them, and coach you on best advocacy practices to get the results you need.
Can my GAD help me navigate NC REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS® tools and grants?
Yes! GADS are trained in NAR grant development and can help you navigate your grant projects, from identification to execution. NC REALTORS® and NAR® offer ongoing training and support for GADs so they are up to date on tools and resources for your members.
Will my GAD help my members prepare for NC REALTORS® and NAR® Legislative Meetings?
For NAR and NCR Legislative meetings, Shared and Regional GADs will work to schedule meetings with your elected officials, coach REALTORS® on meeting with legislators, and help you advertise these events to your Association. Your GAD can also prepare briefings for members attending events, so they are prepared with NCR and NAR’s legislative priorities.
How can my GAD help me distribute housing market statistics?
GADs have access to REALTORS® Property Resource and can distribute quarterly housing market statistics to your Board of Directors or any key county and city staff. GADs also have access to NAR databases about national housing trends and can help you present this information to relevant stakeholders.
NAR/NCR just released a Call for Action. How will the GAD help advertise and educate REALTORS® on the issue?
GADs can help facilitate the creation of content for your local Association newsletters and social media encouraging members to complete the CFA. GADs can also present information about the CFA to your local Board of Directors and committees.