Grassroots efforts gain momentum through collective participation. The more members of Congress who receive communication from ASTA members, the more attention our issues will receive. Here are some grassroots best practices you can employ throughout the year to keep ASTA’s legislative priorities top of mind for lawmakers.
ASTA’s Legislative Day is a prime example of grassroots. This exclusive member event takes travel advisor professionals to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staff. This conference brings issues in the industry to the forefront of Congress. Legislative Day is a wonderful opportunity to amplify ASTA issues, and registration is currently available on ASTA’s website. However, grassroots does not stop there. Whether or not you join us in D.C., there are several actions you can take throughout the year.
THE MORE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO RECEIVE COMMUNICATION FROM ASTA MEMBERS, THE MORE ATTENTION OUR ISSUES WILL RECEIVE
Hold Meetings In the District or State
Members of Congress return home to their states and districts several times throughout the year, known as “recess.” The longest recess stretch in any year is the August recess. During these times, and especially during the election year (the even-numbered year), members of Congress will hold town halls, participate in campaign events, and attend parades and other community events, among others. ASTA encourages you to attend these events or request a meeting in the district office, especially if you are unable to attend Legislative Day. ASTA’s advocacy team can provide you with sample meeting requests and talking points for your meetings.
A key part of grassroots resides in the follow up. After you meet with congressional staffers on the Hill during ASTA’s Legislative Day or other times, following up with them keeps our issues at the top of their minds. If you promised them information you didn’t have at the time of your meeting, providing that in the follow up shows you are a trusted source of knowledge and helps build the relationship.
THE LONGEST RECESS STRETCH IN ANY YEAR IS THE AUGUST RECESS. DURING THESE TIMES ... MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WILL HOLD TOWN HALLS, PARTICIPATE IN CAMPAIGN EVENTS, AND ATTEND PARADES AND OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS, AMONG OTHERS.
Phone calls to lawmakers to express your opinion are very impactful. You can call off ices year round about any policy. You can find information about your elected officials on ASTA’s website.
Send Letters Through ASTA's Portal
But phone calls aren’t the only way you can express your viewpoints. ASTA makes it easy! At the web address above, you can also easily send a letter to your two Senators and Representative through our grassroots portal. This site is preloaded with sample letters you can customize with your personal story. ASTA has many different campaigns that change based on current discussions in Congress.
Start your Grassroots journey now! ASTA’s efforts are amplified with grassroots, and it is essential that members like you take part. Join us and make a difference.
