1. Building a Better Future for Your Profession: The Advocacy Network

2. Agenda Why should I be an advocate? Advocacy Network basics Network & ArchiPAC Network Member Benefits & Resources Federal Legislative Update

3. Why should I be an advocate? Congress is making decisions every day on issues that can affect your profession, business, and community: Small Business Sustainability Tax Reform Student Loans Infrastructure Job Creation Many competing interests means architects need to work together to build the nation’s future

4. The AIA Advocacy Network What is it? A robust and organized grassroots advocacy network that not only connects AIA staff and components with AIA members, but also AIA members with elected members of Congress. What is the goal? To build a lasting relationship between AIA and Congress, so that every member will be the messenger on key advocacy issues.

5. How can I be an advocate? It’s all about building relationships –Legislators –Staff –Other architects

6. How do I start participating? Email, call and write your legislators often Schedule visits your legislators & their staff *Be persistent & creative! Consider town halls, in-district appearances, etc.* Talk & organize with other architects

7. How do I start participating? (continued) Engage with your local media – LTEs, op-eds, etc. Participate on social media – contacting legislators, issue discussions, etc. Give to & recruit for ArchiPAC

8. How Does ArchiPAC fit in? For AIA members: www.archipac.orgwww.archipac.org

9. Network Member Benefits Why Should I Join? Access to members-only trainings and resources Participation in monthly members-only briefing calls with Advocacy staff and key Washington players First to know about important legislative issues Able to lean on others for assistance in getting the word out about important issues Opportunities to earn rewards throughout the year

10. Resources For Network Members Advocacy Action Center Toolkits for: –Forums –Site visits –Coffees –Connecting with Media Guides & Best Practices for Advocacy Activities All available at aia.org/advocacy365!

11. The Network Pays Off: Real-Life Example The 5-Minute Meeting: Bruce Sekanick, AIA meets with Senator Rob Portman (OH) at a breakfast in August 2013

12. Sign Up NOW at http://www.aia.org/advocacy365http://www.aia.org/advocacy365 The AIA Advocacy Network - How Can I Join?

13. Questions? amandastratton@aia.org (202)-626-7356 AIA Advocacy on Facebook AIA Advocacy on Twitter