“AN INTRODUCTION TO GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY IN THE FIRE SERVICE”

In Cooperation with the Congressional Fire Service Institute

WHAT IS GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY?

Engagement with elected officials originating at the local level Constituents organizing to advance a

common agenda, Educating Representatives on legislative matters they are considering.

Can involve: Petitions

Door-to-Door Campaigns

Letter writing campaigns

In person meetings

Special events with invited local Representatives (town hall meetings, ride-alongs, open houses, etc.)

WHY IS GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY IMPORTANT?

“All politics is local” –

Thomas Phillip “Tip”

O’Neill, 55th Speaker of

the House of

Representatives

Elected officials need to hear directly from their constituents The United States is a representative democracy

Members of Congress are elected to represent you Congress relies on constituents for information on

the impact certain policies will have. The IAAI will need our members to be advocates involving policies related to fire investigation and related occupations.

The 1st Amendment guarantees your right to

educate Congress on matters important to you – it’s up to you to take the initiative

“Congress shall make no

law…prohibiting… the right of the

people peacefully to assemble and

to petition the Government for a

redress of grievances.”

SPECIAL INTERESTS & CONGRESS? Who are special interest groups?

A group with a shared interest who come together

to advocate for specific policies.

This includes consumer organizations, professional

associations (IAAI), and trade associations

Who is Congress hearing from?

George Washington University Gradate School of Political Management:

Congress receives +200,000,000 communications annually

72,000 trade associations

3,450 lobbying firms

The Center for Responsible Politics:

11,761 registered lobbyists

$3.21 billion spent on lobbying Congress and the White House

SPECIAL INTERESTS & CONGRESS?

How do you make yourself heard?

Many competing voices. Need to take initiative to be heard. Visit, call

or right your Congressman.

Thousands of different issues demanding the attention of Congress.

Take the time to voice your opinion on matters and issues important

to you.

The Fire/Police Services have a

distinct advantage…

Every member of Congress has firefighters and

police officers who vote in their Congressional

district.

Every member of Congress has a fire house and

police staton around the corner from their

offices.

WHAT IS CONGRESS THINKING? What is on the minds of elected officials when they

meet with constituents?

What are the important points you need to make?

What is Congress concerned with?

The Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI) keeps all fire

service organizations informed of matters/concerns before

Congress involving the fire service. Periodically we learn of

matters of interest to fire investigation and related

occupations. When we learn of these matters we pass

them on to our members so we can educate our local

Congressmen of why they should support or not support a

matter under consideration. The IAAI also supports other

initiatives put forth to its member organizations on all

matters related to the fire service. We also monitor law

enforcement insurance and other related occupations for

issues before Congress and will pass on to our members if

we need their assistance in educating Congress on those

matters.

GET INVOLVED Become engaged with various

organizations to increase your

outreach and influence

Local – civic or political organizations

State – state associations and institutes

National – CFSI, IAAI, IAFC, IAFF, NVFC, etc.

Be political, but not partisan

Fire service and fire investigation issues transcend politics

Congressional Fire Services Caucus is an example of this

Bi-partisan group of lawmakers chaired by 4 Republican, 4 Democrats

Dedicated to addressing concerns of fire & emergency services

HOW DO WE ADVANCE OUR AGENDA? Have a clear and coordinated message

Have a specific ask – The IAI Advocacy Committee will provide Letters or

Talking points to utilize when contacting Congress so we have a consistent

message.

It can be a simple request or complex matter, but know why you are reaching

out and understand the issues. Utilize the information provided by the IAAI

Advocacy Committee to educate yourself about the issue for full

understanding of the issue and the letters and talking points provided.

Be Prepared

Make sure your group is prepared and on the same page

One person off message can derail an entire meeting

Share talking points with members and staff in advance

Elected officials look at hundreds of different issues a day

Our job is to educate them with concise, accurate, and compelling information

HOW DO WE ADVANCE OUR AGENDA?

Continue to build upon relationships

Effective advocacy involves more than one week a year. Contact at the

local offices via visits, calls or letters keeps you involved.

Invest in building relationships with members and staff

Reach out to staff in local offices

Invite them on ride-alongs, tours of the fire house, etc.

Become a resource for local staff as well as legislative staff

Effective government is a partnership between elected officials and the

constituents they serve

Follow up

A simple thank you note can help facilitate continued conversations on your

issue