You Can’t Fight City Hall It’s a common sentiment repeated over and over again. Unmotivated groups of people take comfort in the theory because it excuses their inaction. The fact is many of your colleagues would like to do something about issues impacting veterinary medicine, animals, public health and the environment. The problems seem overwhelming but you have to ask yourself, “Isn’t someone winning?”

Well, the old adage is correct. You can’t fight city hall… At least you can’t fight it alone! But when you find friends who share your objectives, suddenly the task isn’t so daunting. This is the primary purpose of a grassroots network.

What is a grassroots network? A grassroots network is a group of like- minded people brought together around common goals that share information and develop plans of action. A well-organized grassroots advocacy campaign is one of the most effective ways of reaching legislators.

Veterinary Associations An association is a group of individuals who voluntarily enter into an agreement to form an organization to accomplish a purpose. Most state veterinary associations have their roots in advocacy.

Grassroots Origins Making veterinary medicine a profession in Illinois was the work of a few pioneering veterinarians and the early, great leaders of veterinary medicine who worked together to establish an organization (the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association) to see to the best interests of the profession.

Grassroots Origins After enduring a century of do-it- yourselfers and quacks, a group of thirteen graduates of the Chicago Veterinary College and McKillip Veterinary College attended the first organized ISVMA meeting in Chicago in They met to share individual learning experiences with their colleagues and discredit the unprofessional practices that were so common in Illinois at the time.

Grassroots Origins These early, dedicated veterinarians were later instrumental in developing Illinois’ first Veterinary Medicine Practice Act in 1899.

Advocacy by the Numbers In today’s legislatures, there are more advocates—professional and grassroots—than at any other time in the nation’s history. Their increasing numbers, and the many new ways technology allows messages to be delivered to legislators, are contributing to an information overload in state and federal legislatures. The recipients of these messages are often staff members whose average age and experience continues to decline.

Grassroots Advocacy in Modern Politics How to use the power of individuals to influence legislation For any advocacy program to be effective in this environment, an organization must develop an effective network of grassroots advocates who can speak to elected officials as voting constituents.

Grassroots Advocacy in Modern Politics How to use the power of individuals to influence legislation These grassroots advocates must understand not only the basics of working with members and staff, but also how larger legislative and political events may influence their organization’s legislative agenda, and how to use technology for more effective communication.

Develop and Refine Your Network Do you need help building membership? Do your staff and members want to learn about cutting costs while growing your network? Are you using effective website tools, electronic newsletters, Action Alerts, and database management as part of your grassroots program?

Develop and Refine Your Network Recruit network participants, create a strong network, establish a clear message, achieve common goals through the use of technology, development of rapid responses to issues and understanding the importance of timing.

Develop and Refine Your Network Mobilize your constituency and affiliates by identifying the criteria for choosing issues that are tangible and "winnable."

Winnable Issues Is the issue pertinent? Make sure the issue is thoroughly documented and of concern to members of your network. Is the issue practical? The Action Item must lead to an action members of your network can take part in. Make Action Items practical by meeting participants at their level of ability and commitment. Is the issue winnable? Focus on Action Items that can result in measurable success. If Action Items consistently result in failure, your network will lose support and viability.

The Goals of Your Grassroots Network  Unite: A grassroots network seeks to unite individuals and groups of individuals who share common goals. Most likely, concerned veterinarians in your community have little or no idea what other veterinarians are doing to advance the interests of the profession. The grassroots network seeks to bring these groups together.

The Goals of Your Grassroots Network  Educate: Sharing information is a primary goal of the grassroots network. The network coordinator(s) should educate participants on key issues affecting the profession. Your grassroots network’s ability to quickly and effectively communicate vital information will, in large part, determine your success.

The Goals of Your Grassroots Network  Strategize: Action alerts develop and present plans of action to accomplish specific goals.  Motivate: Your grassroots network must motivate participants to action and make it easy for them to participate.

Motivation is the Key to Success  Don’t overwhelm a participant with a task they cannot handle. Meet them at their level of expertise and commitment: A letter to the editor, phone call to a friend in the legislature, to their elected official. Participants will quickly volunteer for more challenging assignments.

Motivation is the Key to Success Reward success. Acknowledge every completed Action Item, no matter how small. Remember: success breeds success.  Promote the team. Participants should know that the grassroots network is depending on them to complete their Action Items. Every link in the chain is vital.

How ISVMA Uses Technology Member Database Program Secure Website Electronic Newsletters CapWizXC Free Websites