The Program Edge

There are numerous advantages to instituting an initial grassroots program. The following are four of the most salient:

• It works. We have compared the public policy results of organizations that have authentic grassroots programs with those who hastily assemble a grassroots network as the need arises. Those with an organized program get a huge return on their investment via their legislative victories.
• It is more cost-effective in the long term. There is less need to hire outside help to generate action for your cause.
• It builds employee/member knowledge about your organization that is exceedingly valuable. Your employees or members can become ambassadors for your industry beyond the legislative arena. This benefit is exceedingly valued by senior executives.
• It is authentic. No legislator can rightly claim that you are “brainwashing your employees” on public policy issues if you have been educating and empowering them to get involved long before a pivotal issue arises.