Who should advocate?
Just as a single voice can make a difference, it’s also true that there is “strength in numbers.” The Keep Pennsylvania Producing (KPP) coalition exists to empower its members with the information and knowledge necessary to communicate directly with their legislators. It is the goal of KPP to mobilize its members to take action on the issues that are of the utmost importance to the business community – from taxes and health care, to energy and everything in between.
What is grassroots advocacy?
Grassroots advocacy is an effort by like-minded individuals acting to achieve a specific legislative or regulatory outcome. Lobbying activities by KPP members are an effective means of providing decision-makers and the general public with information and opinions on issues affecting the business community.
When should you advocate?
While it may be awkward at first, establishing a relationship with your elected official early on enables you to build a strong foundation, which will be crucial when you need their support – and vice versa. It is important to be proactive in your grassroots efforts as opposed to reactively responding toward legislation that may come along. To learn how to build a relationship with your legislators, check out KPP’s Advocacy Handbook.
Where should you advocate?
KPP offers you many different places to advocate in order to meet your advocacy needs and goals:
- Online – By utilizing Capwiz, an online advocacy program, members of KPP can get a message to their legislators in just a few simple clicks.
- Over the phone – Call your legislator when time is of the essence and you need to voice your opinion on an issue.
- In person – Talk with your legislator at their office in DC, Harrisburg or in their district, discuss ideas with elected officials at events, or even invite your legislators to take a plant tour of your facility.
- In print – Write a letter to the editor or an op-ed to be published in the newspaper, or KPP can help you to do the same.
Why should you advocate?
The more the business community gets involved in the legislative process, the more effectively it can advance a pro-business, pro-growth agenda on the local, state and national levels. Effective representation of KPP’s interests on public policy issues requires the active participation of individual members of KPP. Although the MBA’s Government Affairs Department monitors, analyzes, and responds to many legislative and regulatory issues that affect the MBA membership, the voice and support of local constituents “on the ground” is invaluable for a successful initiative.
How can you advocate?
No matter what your level of advocacy, KPP exists as a way for the business community to influence legislators and legislation coming out of Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. Depending upon your time and desired level of activity, there are many choices available to you when it comes to being an advocate. To learn more about grassroots advocacy, check out KPP’s Grassroots Advocacy Handbook.
A few ideas from the handbook include:
- Getting informed on all of the current issues by reading any of KPP’s newsletters;
- Writing a letter to your legislator;
- Calling your legislator;
- Making a Hill visit; or even
- Scheduling a plant tour with your legislator.