As a board member of your association, you know that issues like taxes, regulation, workforce, infrastructure, housing, medical care, manufacturing, and energy issues have an impact on your association’s members. Whether you are a trade association representing companies or a professional society representing individuals, here are three ways an advocacy program can help advance your association’s mission and goals.
Raise your association’s profile and advocate with one voice
An advocacy program is a great way to convene your association’s industry, all while raising your association’s name and political profile. A government affairs team can enhance the work being accomplished by your organization in the regulatory, legislative, or professional space on behalf of your entire industry. Together, as one voice, your organization is much stronger and can shape policy that will benefit everyone in your industry or profession.
Simply put, the issues that matter most to your industry are the same issues being legislated on Capitol Hill. As board members, it is critical for you to be informed and involved in legislative issues so that your association can represent its membership and promote its primary interests, as well as have a seat at the table where important decisions are being made.
Create a strong policy platform that resonates with your members
Your advocacy program should speak to the heart of your association’s mission and should feel tangible and relatable to all members. Consider including the following when developing your organization’s advocacy strategy goals:
- Protect and promote the interests of the association before Congress and the administration
- Develop relationships so your association can educate and influence legislators, policymakers, and stakeholders before a crisis arises and short-sighted legislation is being debated
- Continuously strengthen and develop the capacity and expertise of your organization to both effect change and be a thought leader in the industry
Empower members to get more involved
To be stronger as an industry, your organization needs the participation and involvement of your members to continue to make headway on issues that are important to all. Advocacy provides significant ROI for associations, and association advocacy staff teams can measure and identify economic impacts, such as increased costs or opportunities for growth. These provide strong ROI metrics to members and empower them to act as decision-makers within their industries and professions. There are various ways to encourage members to become more involved in advancing your association’s advocacy goals, including:
- Create an advocacy committee and hold monthly Zoom calls to discuss policy issues and share intel on priority issues
- Host a facility tour for your member of Congress (association staff can help set this up if your members are new to this process)
- Write letters to your elected officials and setting up meetings in your congressional district’s office
- Host a congressional fly-in on Capitol Hill (virtual or in-person)
As leaders of your association, knowing the benefits that an advocacy program can bring to your organization is an important role of your position.
If you have questions or are interested in learning more about Smithbucklin Government relations, contact John Richardson.