As the legislative session begins, we often ponder how we will fare in our advocacy efforts.
One way to ensure attention to critical industry issues in the Iowa Statehouse is a personal commitment to advocacy. We talk about advocacy and talking about the issues, but do we ADVOCATE? Do we COMMUNICATE? Do we ADVOCATE and COMMUNICATE with legislators?
Here are three EASY ways to effectively ADVOCATE and COMMUNICATE during the 2013 legislative session. Make these items New Year’s resolutions:
1. When was the last time you visited, called or e-mailed your legislator? With 38 new legislators this year, chances are you have a new representative and/or senator. Why not pick up the phone or send an e-mail of introduction? Make yourself a resource to new legislators on telecommunications issues.
2. Attend a legislative forum in your area. Most legislators host forums to hear from constituents at community centers, libraries and chamber of commerce offices. Your local newspaper will generally publish the schedule. Perhaps the most effective way to accomplish the goal set out in No. 1 is to attend one of these forums and make an introduction. Face-to-face is ALWAYS the most effective form of advocacy.
3. Encourage your board members and employees to communicate with legislators. When our industry groups forward instructions to contact elected officials about legislation, take time educate your board members and employees about the impact of policymaking. This is a great opportunity to motivate these folks to participate in the process – effectively increasing the number of industry voices legislators hear!
Believe it or not, legislators really want to hear from their constituents. You may be the only folks responding on a particular issue, so how do you think that legislator will vote? The tools on the Iowa Legislature website will help you identify your legislators and refer you to your contact information.
Start today . . . and make being an advocate for your industry a New Year’s resolution in 2013!
