22 JULY / AUGUST 2022 GR SUMMIT Your Voice Is Paramount To shaping public policy Using your voice to engage with policymakers is critically important to the success and growth of our industry. Whether your voice comes in the form of an email, phone call or a conversation over lunch, all are effective ways of connecting with policymakers. This direct level of engagement, banker-to-legislator, is more commonly referred to as grassroots engagement. But choosing to participate in grassroots engagement isn’t always easy, as multiple commitments compete for your time. In shaping public policy, however, your voice is paramount. It is important to note that policymakers want to hear from their constituents. They want to hear from the businesses in their districts. They want to hear from you. Among the businesses across the state and nationwide, there is no more impactful industry on the local community than banking. Small businesses, home ownership and community development all thrive through the support of financial institutions located in those communities. Your direct connection and impact on the communities you serve are important to policymakers. It is vital that you take the time to share your story. There are many ways as a banker to participate in grassroots engagement. The Indiana Bankers Association has developed several approaches that make it easier for you to connect with your policymakers. Each approach carries with it a commitment of time, which can vary depending on your level of involvement. The first step is to familiarize yourself with the issues, both at the state and federal levels. Reading industry publications, such as the weekly IBA E-News, provides insight into current issues facing our industry. Becoming educated on policy and why it matters is fundamental to any relevant discussion. For assistance connecting with IBA grassroots opportunities, contact Maria Dowers at mdowers@indiana.bank, 317-333-7148. An important subsequent step is to use IBA resources to engage. Responding to VoterVoice action alerts (indiana.bank/votervoice) takes little time but has real impact. In addition, writing your own message or making a phone call are effective tools that will make an even deeper impact. Relationship-building is the cornerstone of any significant grassroots program. This takes an investment of time, but will have the most meaningful impact. IBA regional meetings, now taking place through Aug. 30, and the annual IBA Washington Trip are both excellent ways to start or build upon relationships with your legislators. These experiences are intended to foster relationships. Furthermore, as leaders within your communities, interactions with your local elected officials are often achievable through community events. Another way to build relationships is to invite your elected officials to your bank to learn more about your institution and its role in the community. At IBA grassroots events, we frequently remind participants of the importance of sharing your story. Sharing your story allows legislators to understand how your institution positively impacts their constituents within your community. Don’t assume that policymakers already know about the community work you are doing. More importantly, we must tell our story because no one else is going to. We must stand shoulder to shoulder as leaders in this industry to protect the banking community from attacks and to build upon its strengths. Using your voice to share your story – whether through a VoterVoice action alert, phone call or inperson meeting – is powerful. This is true grassroots advocacy and worth every bit of the time you invest. HB Dax Denton 'LMIJ 4SPMG] 3JƤGIV Indiana Bankers Association ddenton@indiana.bank @ibagovrelations Ross Teare Vice President - Government Relations Indiana Bankers Association rteare@indiana.bank
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