Advocacy matters: Let’s have a voice in the conversation

By James Ellsworth.

By championing the needs of roofing professionals and fostering collaboration with lawmakers, we can pave the way for safer, more competitive and sustainable practices.

The future and success of the roofing industry depend heavily on advocacy. Policies enacted at any level – local, state or federal – can have far-reaching effects on contractors, business owners and their crews. To craft effective legislation, policymakers need input from those who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in roofing. This is where active participation becomes critical. Advocacy goes beyond attending meetings; it’s about forming meaningful connections and ensuring your experience and knowledge shape the conversation that matters most. Industry associations are key players in this process, acting as a united voice for the industry. When the industry stands together, it strengthens its position and creates a brighter future.

Legislators are smart people who need the public involved to be able to pass smart legislation. Since they are not contractors, and are not on the roof, it’s important for them to understand what we need to be successful, competitive and safe. If we are not engaged, if we are not at the table then we cannot help in crafting the policies that will impact our lives, businesses and industry.    

Your state legislature, for the most part, will impact your business and personal life more than Congress will. It is your local leaders who will set the state budget (which must be a balanced budget) to update building codes, change labor laws and invest in the future. If they don't have thoughtful, constructive directions and feedback they will be unable to understand how any proposed legislation will actually impact their constituents and district. These are the decisions we need to show up for. This is where we need to engage and make our voices heard.

As a former Chief of Staff for a state Representative in the Oregon Legislature, I can attest to how important it is to develop a relationship with your local representative. More often than you may expect, I was tasked with reaching out to constituents we had met with, and developed a relationship with, to get their insights and perspective on a proposal that would impact their area of expertise. We called contractors, realtors, business owners, tech developers and many more. They were not all affiliated with the same party as the Representative, but there was a deep amount of respect between them, and they all knew how important it was to get that “on the ground point of view.”  

That’s why year-round advocacy is important, and why the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) ROOFPAC (political action committee) plays a pivotal role in advocating for the industry, keeping people informed and educated about the issues at hand and organizing Roofing Day in D.C., which has such a profound impact not only on Capitol Hill but for the roofing industry overall. Be sure to follow along as RoofersCoffeeShop® reports on what the NRCA has identified as key issues for the industry this year and as roofing professionals prepare to descend on Capitol Hill April 8-9, 2025.  

Find the time to reach out to your legislators and have a meeting. See if you can get them to join you in your office or work site after the legislative session has ended so they can see what you are doing day in and day out to keep people safe and dry. Build that respect and trust so they will think of you first when a bill comes before them and they will reach out to get your quick thoughts.  

Remember what Senator Mike Enzi from Wyoming said – "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu." Let’s sit at that table!

About James

James Ellsworth is the Chief of Staff for The Coffee Shops™. He has worked as a Chief of Staff in the Oregon Legislature and helped pass the largest investment to Oregon Schools in generations. When he isn’t working he loves to explore new places and roads and try new local wines, and can usually be found hiking, playing a fun game or listening to a good podcast.