Advocacy 101
Welcome to IHRSA's Advocacy 101 page, where you will find all the tools you need to become an effective advocate for the health club industry. Here you will find tips and guidance for successful advocacy.
We understand that for some, the political process seems daunting. But as a voter you are the most powerful person calling, writing, or visiting your legislators' offices, simply because your vote at election time can reward them for a job well done or send them packing.
If you have any questions about legislation please contact IHRSA at exerciseyourrights@ihrsa.org or (800) 228-4772.
Advocacy 101
- Identify Your Legislators (use IHRSA's Elected Official Directory)
- Sending Emails
- Calling Legislators
- Meetings (Office Visits and Club Tours)
Information and Resources
The Dos and Dont's of Advocacy 101
DO:
Learn the issues. An educated advocate is the best advocate. Take the time to learn the who, what, and why of a bill before contacting your legislator. www.ihrsa.org/issues.
Be factual. Always present the facts as to how a law or proposed law will affect your members or club. If available, try to use figures that illustrate your point. Personal stories are a great way to convey the human effect of a bill.
Keep it short and simple. Discuss one issue and/or bill at a time, unless they are on the same general topic, such as health promotion (e.g. WHIP and PHIT Acts).
Say you are a constituent. Be sure to tell whomever you speak with or write to that you live in their district and/or work at a health club there to make clear you are a constituent or serve their constituency.
Say you are an IHRSA member. Let them know that you are speaking as part of a unified voice as a member of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the largest health club industry association.
Act promptly. Don't delay, take action today. Some issues, especially at the state level, can move very quickly. Often, the best political opportunities don't last long.
Follow up. It is in the follow-up that things get done, thus following up is an indispensable component of effective advocacy. For each action you do, there should to be a follow-up to keep your issues on the top of their minds.
DON'T:
Be demanding. Rude, threatening, or demanding acts will harm rather than help your case. Remember, they are elected officials and public servants who deserve a certain level of respect.
Run long. Legislators and their staff are very busy, so try to keep your phone calls to a few minutes, letters to a few paragraphs, and office visits to approximately 15 minutes.
Miss an opportunity. Following up is an indispensable component of effective advocacy. For each action you do, there should to be a potential follow-up to keep your issues on the top of their minds. This may sound scary and time consuming, but follow-up actions can be short emails, phone calls, or thank you notes.
