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RETURN SURPLUS LANDS TO INDIANS PROJECT
National Committee 
P.O. Box 442, Davis, California 95616
916(756-3730)(758-0470)

R.S.L.I.P.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of "Return Surplus Lands to Indians Project" (RSLIP) is: TO FIND federal surplus properties, TO DETERMINE suitability for local Indian needs, TO PROVIDE professional and technical assistance to rural and urban Indian groups, TO EFFECT the transfer of property, and TO ASSIST these groups in finding initial operating funds. 
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SUGGESTED GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW
for starting
CITIZEN'S CHAPTERS
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FIRST STEP:

(1) Gather together a small(about 3 or 5) group of interested people. See if they are interested in forming a local "Return Surplus Lands to Indians Project"(RSLIP) chapter. (2) If so, appoint or elect a temporary chairman and secretary. (3) The first responsibility of the chairman and the secretary will be to invite others to a local RSLIP organization meeting. Set the date about four weeks away. (4) Send a letter of invitation (See Sample "A" enclosed), as soon as possible, to: Indian centers, reservations, colleges, interested individuals for example: the Indian affairs chairman of local churches, Sierra Club, YWCA, YMCA, the Federated Women's Club, the League of Women Voters, and federal agencies (they can assist with funding and technical assistance, etc.). Try to get lawyers, proposal writers, public relations and other resource people (Indian and non-Indian), on this committee. Aim for total community involvement. It's good public relations. (5) One week in advance, mail out a news release (See Sample "C" enclosed). (6) The day before your meeting, call and remind everyone. The personal attention will assure a good turn-out. A working committee of 8 people, using others as resources would be ideal. 

SECOND STEP:

The night of the organization meeting set up the following committees:

RESEARCH COMMITTEE

PURPOSE: The purpose of the research committee is to dovetail Indian needs with federal excess and surplus properties. 
At least one local lawyer should be on this committee. California Indian Legal Services (CILS), 2527 Dwight Way, Berkeley, California 94704, (415-845-6171), attention: Lee Sclar or Ron Hodge, have agreed to help California groups. They will send information and answer legal questions for others. 

The national committee has been unable to get "current" lists of federal excess/surplus property. The most recent is the Congressional Record of May 5, 1969. General Services Administration (GSA) offices will however, give information when asked about specific properties (See Sample "B" enclosed.)

Watch local papers for news about properties due to be declared surplus. 

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"Nothing can withstand the force of an idea whose time has come."
Victor Hugo