One of the biggest challenges for associations, as you’re probably painfully aware, is getting their members involved in public advocacy. But it’s worth the effort, because when individual members engage in the public process, it can be so powerful and impactful.
A great example is the Progressive Tax, or Fair Tax, fight in Illinois in 2020. While the press focused on the amount of money being spent on TV by both sides, the untold story is the amount of work and collaboration done among business associations in all 102 counties in the state to activate their members and their members’ employees to vote against the amendment.
This coalition comprised nearly 50 associations that represented 35,000 members and over 1 million employees. This was a massive effort to inform employees why they should vote against the amendment and to get them out to vote.
As you know, the impact was huge: Illinoisans overwhelmingly voted against Springfield’s progressive tax. These associations, their members and their members’ employees were a key reason why the amendment failed.
This is just one example of what can happen when associations empower their members to speak out. In the video below, Collin Corbett and Cor’s grassroots government affairs expert Rich Carter cover this topic and share ideas on how associations can empower their members to engage in the political process.
We’re ready to help. We’ve worked with a number of state and national associations, helping them make a significant impact by activating their members. This not only leads to better public policy, we’ve also seen it improve member retention for our clients and even supercharge new member acquisition.
Let’s talk about how we can help your association in 2023 and beyond!
