Spring in DC is all about cherry blossoms and associations descending on the Hill for legislative fly-ins.
1) They make the message legit
The American Society of Civil Engineers flew in 200 members last week. They shared ASCE's recent infrastructure report card and advocated for transportation and waterways funding.Grassroots advocacy director Leslie Nolen saysthe fly-in brings some legitimacy to ASCE's message: "We have lobbyists who visit legislators regularly, but it's important to put the real people's faces with that message every once in awhile."
2) They help establish Hill contacts
At least 25 members from the North American Equipment Dealers will be visiting Capitol Hill in May. Government relations VP Mike Williams says members may have contact with their members of Congress at their home base, but the in-person meeting in DC is the best setting for addressing big policy issues like tax reform. He says the fly-in is also a good way to establish a grassroots contact with someone on the Hill. The organization is still honing this year's fly-in discussion topics, but Mike says taxes will surely be included.
3) They influence public policy
[caption id="attachment_54297" align="alignnone" ] Courtesy of ASAE[/caption]
ASAE members were in Washington last week for its annual fly-in known as American Associations Day. The organization credits those face-to-face interactions and other contact with legislators with not only helping to get the meetings amendment removed from the CR but also protecting the tax exemption for associations and other nonprofits.The organization also points to recent studies by the Congressional Management Foundation that legislators who are undecided on an issue are influenced by constituent visits.
