Putting the ‘Power of A’ to Work for You at the Local Level

America works best when we work together, and associations play a vital role in bringing people and policymakers together to strengthen our country and communities.

That was the key message shared in “Putting the ‘Power of A’ to Work for You at the Local Level” at the 2017 ASAE Annual Meeting, where panelists Mark Dorsey, Paul Pomerantz, Richard Yep and Sharon Swan shared what their associations tackle challenges with policymakers and advocate for their industries more effectively.

Associations serve as an important resource to government, but they also fill a gap by solving problems in ways that government can’t. That’s why it’s so important that associations advocate for their members and industries at all levels – local, state and national (even international in some cases).

They are so successful in this pursuit because associations have credibility, experience, research and knowledge that’s been proven through the year and from one administration to the next.

In order to increase your access to policy and decision-makers, each association must tell their story and then take action. Make sure to clearly explain what your association does on a daily basis, whether that’s creating and enforcing industry standards, education and training, supporting the economy and commerce, protecting the public, and collaborating on forming new laws and policy.

Above all, don’t underestimate your association’s role in building a stronger economy and community.