The importance of advocacy

Words: Jeff BuczkiewiczWe often get asked if we think that our presence in D.C. makes a difference. My answer to that is our presence in D.C. is only as strong as our industry’s ability to work at a grassroots level to educate their members of Congress on our issues, which, in turn, makes our presence in D.C. very valuable.

We are just coming off the August recess, and we are hopeful our grassroots efforts in the districts during the break will have an impact on our issues as we return to business in D.C. So many will ask what they can do, or may feel it is a little intimidating to visit their Congressman or Senator. The one thing we remind everyone is that these folks (Congressmen and Senators) are no different than anyone else in the country.

They are there to represent you and their districts, and need to hear from you to do their jobs effectively. We have found many Congressmen and Senators to have ties to the construction industry, many of them having families in the business or actually owning companies before their elected positions.

These elected officials need people they can rely on in their home districts and states. We often find that members of the Mason Contractors Association of America who have reached out to their members of Congress build almost consulting-like positions with their members. The members are in need of opinions and interpretations of how their actions, or lack thereof, impact their people back home. Often, this will turn into a phone call from the Representative asking for feedback on an issue. Nurturing and building those relationships becomes invaluable in our efforts.

It does not take a long time to establish this relationship with your Congressional delegation. It does take consistent meetings and visits to their offices to educate them. The one thing we have learned in our advocacy efforts is that, if we are not doing it, someone else will. Even if we are doing it, likely they have an opposing side on nearly every issue, tugging at them to see their side and trying to gain their support.

It does take a little time and a little effort, but it can pay back big in the end, when we develop those relationships. Going to D.C. is not a requirement to be effective. However, if you typically see your Congressman back home, and they see you making the effort to go to D.C. to discuss an issue, they will understand the importance of the visit.

You can make a difference! We are here to help. If you want a briefing on issues or need resources to make a visit, please call our office. We can help you with it and make you feel more at ease. Remember, they are people no different than you and me, and treating them as such will go a long way.
About: FeaturedLegislative
 0
2024 Architectural Awards: Excellence In Masonry Winners

The Masonry Advisory Council held the 2024 Excellence in Masonry Awards on Saturday, October 26th at 167 Green St., Chicago, Illinois. Honoring 80 projects from over the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Area. The Awards program celebrates outstanding ar

By: Ashley Kelly
Read More
NSI and ISFA Announce Silica Exposure Literature Review

NSI and ISFA are proud to present a literature review that summarizes the growing library of studies related to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. Completed by Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the study covers 34 publications and d

By: Amy Oakley
Read More
La Maison Franchère: How Masonry Turns Functional Buildings Into Timeless Beauty

La Maison Franchère, or the Franchers’ House, stands as a notable relic of stone architecture in Saint-Mathies, a small Quebec town on the edge of the Richelieu River. Unlike the neighboring homes, this towering, two-and-a-half-story mansion immediately c

By: Vera Autushka
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 5 Recap: Zach Everett

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Masonry Strong podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Zach Everett, sharing his journey and experiences in the world of safety within the masonry industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital

By: Justin Stengel
About: Featured
Read More