14 JULY / AUGUST 2020 ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT Advocacy never stops. We’ve used this phrase before in Hoosier Banker to illustrate that, even in good times, we must keep sharing the message that a strong banking industry is integral to the economic well-being of our communities. The phrase applies in challenging times, as well. With the emergence of COVID-19, precautions to protect public health have been nothing short of life-changing. Social distancing, limitations on large gatherings and other safeguards are designed to keep us safe, but have drastically changed the way we interact with one another, at least temporarily. While individuals, businesses and governmental institutions are learning to adapt to this new normal, the way we advocate on policy must also adapt. There is a significant element of human interaction in advocacy, both in direct lobbying and grassroots. Face-to-face conversations, in-person meetings, large events and social gatherings are all meaningful ways to engage. Today these advocacy tools pose risks that were unforeseen just four months ago, and as a result have been halted. We cannot wait until the pandemic is behind us, though, to resume engagement, because the need for advocacy never stops. Instead we must use the resources available to us to create news ways to participate in the policy arena. Earlier this year the Indiana Bankers Association made the difficult decision to cancel the IBA Annual Washington Trip. The July dates set aside for the trip, which ironically had been moved forward from the traditional fall timeline, posed significant risks. For the same safety concerns, we also canceled the summertime regional meetings, a centerpiece of grassroots engagement. In the spirit of adaptability, however, we have reformatted IBA grassroots communications so that your voice can continue to be heard. We are trading hotel ballrooms and visits to Capitol Hill for the new reality of teleconference communication. This virtual forum is different from past grassroots tools, but no less meaningful.* Issues that impact the industry will continue to arise, and video technology presents a suitable and effective form of engagement on these issues. While electronic communications may not fully replicate the experience of meeting in person, it is only the medium that has changed, not the message. For your Government Relations Team, circumstances certainly will be different working with the Indiana General Assembly in preparation for 2021. It was fortuitous for all involved that this year’s session concluded on March 11, while we were simultaneously learning about the rapid spread of COVID-19 and its impact on public gatherings. Moving forward, the Statehouse tradition of faceto-face communications in small settings presents challenges, yet the business of running the state and implementing policy continues. To acclimate, legislative leaders have met for the first time since session in a public forum via Zoom to discuss the assignment of topics for study over the summer. The General Assembly that convenes in January may still be facing coronavirus challenges. While we do not Effective Advocacy In the era of COVID-19 Dax Denton Senior Vice PresidentGovernment Relations Indiana Bankers Association ddenton@indiana.bank @ibagovrelations Eric J. Augustus Vice President-Government Relations Indiana Bankers Association eaugustus@indiana.bank
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==