We’re highly appreciative of all the comments on this campaign and the responses to John’s post. We’ll continue to listen to what you have to say. We do realize that associations already employ lobbyists to articulate their members’ concerns on Capitol Hill. Associations are very effective advocates for the industries and professions they represent. Unfortunately, there’s a tendency in Washington to pigeonhole associations as merely “special interests” on one side of an issue. Bear in mind that for some congressional staffers, their only experience or interaction with an association is when they come through the office door to lobby an issue.
The goal of The Power of A is to demonstrate that advocacy is an important function of many associations, but associations do so much more. It’s critically important that policymakers not view associations as disparate entities, consumed with their own narrow policy interests. One outcome we hope to see from this campaign is that associations are viewed more consistently as part of a huge, collective sector that exercises its First Amendment rights, certainly, but also does so much good in the communities in which we live and operate.
We really encourage people to visit the ThePowerOfA.org site and not only read through some of the success stories of this community, but also get involved in this conversation, as John said in his post, by accessing the “Get Involved” area of the campaign website.
Jim Clarke, CAE
Senior Vice President, Public Policy
ASAE
I am the President of a small AMS company in Texas. We are small but we have great clients. We know what a huge responsibility has been placed on us when we are chosen to be your partner. And what that means to your staff for years to come.
We have committed to not raise our prices, provide consulting services to our clients on initiatives they want to try (especially SMT). I would like to hear from other associations on how an AMS vendor can help you, and therefore help us all. Create association is what we do as humans, when there are three there is a potential association when three turns to four and beyond the power is unlimited. Your history is our history. Please tell us how we can help you.
Jim
Delighted that you’re trying to raise the Power of A(dvocacy) with web/media tools and you’re willing to try.
If 1st amendment is the message, though, why not demonstrate it? Build trust by grouping associations with contrasting points of view around an issue, such as healthcare reform or green jobs?
And as many trade groups ARE little more than special interest lobbyists, why not acknowledge them as such and not bury them in happy talk?
Get an edge to get attention or this will be flash and no substance.
Cheers,
Ann Oliveri, Zen of Associations
P.S. Any chance you’ll upgrade the AAA awards from that mind-numbing list of public service announcements? AAA is like one of those annoying holiday letters from friends bragging about their children. While you’re glad to hear from them once a year, you’re relieved not to live next door.