What is Advocacy? Advocacy describes people contacting their elected officials about important policy issues. It is public support for, or recommendation of, a particular cause. It is an activity by an individual or group which aims to influence decisions within political, economic, and social systems. Advocacy can include many activities that a person or organization undertakes such as: media campaigns, public speaking, publishing research, or conducting a poll.
Why is advocacy important for our industry? This is a critical time for affordable housing advocacy. As cost-burdens rise, meeting the housing needs of vulnerable populations becomes more urgent.
Why should you get involved? By getting involved, owners, property managers and residents provide the human element that moves housing issues from concept to reality for members of Congress.
How do you get started with advocacy? Advocating for affordable housing is simpler than you think, and your unique prospective is valuable to your elected officials. Legislators need to hear from property management professionals and residents about why affordable housing matters to industry and community. So below we have provided you with some of the tools and information that you will need.
Take the PAHMA Advocacy Pledge
PAHMA Advocacy Drive Scorecard
PAHMA Sample Script for Telephone contact with your Senator/Representative
Websites to get you started:
https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/admin/ld/
You can also go to NAHMA’s website for resources: https://www.nahma.org/grassroots-advocacy/grassroots-action-resources/