The Advocacy Committee has been established to serve as a tennis resource of both advocates and information for the greater Sacramento area. The word "advocacy" means to "give aid to cause" or active verbal support for a cause or position as this relates to tennis.

Very simply, the Advocacy Committee provides support to local leaders in schools, park districts and government to ensure adequate tennis facilities and program support.

The SCTA Advocacy Committee's mission is to serve as a resource to implement change to help improve communities through tennis. How many times are you frustrated, as tennis player, to see the maintenance of public tennis courts neglected and the need for tennis programs neglected? If calls to the park staff about cracks, dire need of resurfacing, torn nets, lights not working are not fruitful contact the Advocacy Committee.

We are looking for individuals with a passion for tennis to gather information from your local Park and Recreation office so that we can start a database of tennis courts and develop resources for our various parks a xnd facilities.

• Send us a pictures of your courts so that we can prioritize the project
• If you have a concern in your area, fill out the "Adopt A Project" form
• To contribute to SCTA, click here
• To become a "Volunteer Section Coordinator, click here



For questions call (916) 631-9922 or email sue.davis3@comcast.net

Organize early, at least a year before you want something done, and have a well-defined plan in place. Meet with key City staff early on in the process to understand "the big picture." Develop a good relationship with staff.

• Be realistic in your requests
• Designate an individual or a small committee to work with City staff
• Volunteer to help with specifications and information on what you want
• The City will be more likely to fund your project if you can match the funds

We always suggest forming a local community group that works hand in hand with the local park district to insure the upkeep and maintenance of the tennis courts. The Park Districts are so busy managing all the sports and recreation; we find it helpful to establish these local community groups. If you or your friends are interested in coming together and insuring that the tennis programming at your park is what you want, form a Community Tennis Association and then partner with the SCTA in your tennis advocacy efforts. Click here for more information.

• Research and decide whether you want to be a profit, non profit, 501©3 status, association, foundation or corporation.

• Write a letter to the community and invite them for the first organizational meeting to establish board members and bylaws.

• Go to the Bank and find out what they need from you as an organization to be able to write checks and raise money.

• Call the IRS and get a Federal ID number.

• Visit www.EZCORP123.com for information on incorporating and establishing a non profit or hire a lawyer.

• Decide on a name, mission statement and goals for the group.

• Become a member of the SCTA and send your $45 contribution to SCTA 705-2 East Bidwell, Suite 128 Folsom Ca 95630.

• Become a member organization of the USTA by dialing 1-800-990-USTA.

• Visit www.usta.com/cta and read the CTA guide.

• Become a Tennis in the Parks member by registering at www.nrpa.org.

• Visit www.rchcae.com and read about the Martha Stewart of association management. It is a must read.

• Read "Roberts Rules for Dummies."

Call (916) 631-9922 for more information or email sue.davis3@comcast.net