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Excerpts from "National Reporter":
Vol. 21, No. 5
May, 1965

Public Affairs

[[image]]
[[caption]] President Maytag launched the public affairs program, the broadest of its kind in the airline industry. [[/caption]] 

Follow-up to the course is for participants to contact the party or individual candidate of their choice and study their policies. 

Mr. Hillings explained that in instituting such a public affairs program, National joins more than 500 American companies that believe employees should be offered the encouragement to actively contribute towards community betterment. In capsule, he said, the two-year program will include the following:

1. The Policy Statement (mailed in April, 1965).
2. Educational Pamphlet Series (mailed quarterly beginning in June, 1965).
3. Public Affairs Newsletter.
4. Public Affairs Memos. (Items of special interest to employees.)
5. Public Affairs Election Year Programs.

a. Political Education Series. Seminars to acquaint the employees with the candidates and the issue at hand and the basic organization of our governmental system. (Not to be given on company time.)

b. Public Affairs Information Center. A room set aside for general office employees to receive literature of local candidates and issues, make contributions through an envelope system and receive information on how to be active in the party of their choice. 

c. Election Issue of the National Reporter. Allowing the candidates to make a statement. 

d. Special Items on flights such as the election placemat with a message from President Maytag urging citizens to participate. 

6. Government seminars. These sessions will be held following any election year and would involve having public officials on various levels meet with our political action students and graduates to discuss government action. 

"We are hopeful that all of these projects will spearhead action among our people," Mr. Hillings said, "but real effectiveness in public affairs is an individual matter.

"In addition to being an informed citizen, one must be registered to vote or he has no choice. It is vital that everyone know and practice the voting rules in his particular area. 

"Even if one is not of the voting age," Mr. Hillings said, "he can still be an important participant in the political activities-by working for the candidate or party of his choice."

Underscoring the importance of voting, Mr. Hillings said, "Nineteen hundred and sixty-six is an election year. The 435 members of the United States House of Representatives, one-third of the Senate, a number of governors and other officials will be up for election. 

"This means there will be many political rallies where candidates will speak and present their views. These are exciting, often historic events, and they are a great phenomenon in American politics. (Continued on Page 6)

Chairman Bailey Wrote...

Dear Mr. Hillings,

... Of all the responsibilities we each share as citizens of the United States, I can think of none that is more important than personal involvement in the choice of elected officials at all levels. It is paramount to our nation's very existence that we inform ourselves on the democratic process, the issues, the candidates, and then vote as our conscience dictates.

National Airlines is to be commended for its efforts to encourage and stimulate political responsibility among its employees with this comprehensive program.

... I would say this is a rare privilege to be able to participate and learn more about what makes politics "tick." 

I congratulate you and all the participants and send my very best wishes for a successful program. 

Sincerely,
John M. Bailey
Chairman, Democratic National Committee

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