Getting involved in advocacy, at any level

RCS Influencer Lee Lipniskis says advocating allows you to shape a regulatory environment that supports growth, innovation and prosperity.

Getting involved in local, state and federal advocacy for the construction industry can be highly beneficial. By engaging in advocacy, on any level, you have the opportunity to influence policy decisions that directly impact the roofing industry. It allows you to collaborate with others and address challenges and obstacles, such as difficult regulations and lack of resources.

If the pandemic has taught us anything within the industry, it is that your competition becomes your collaboration. We had to work with our competitors when shortages occurred; even trading materials and/or sharing labor crews. Advocacy efforts often involve collaboration with other businesses, industry associations and community organizations. Through these partnerships, you can leverage collective expertise, resources and influence to achieve common goals and address shared challenges. Advocating for policies that support our industry can contribute to economic growth and also recruitment into the industry.

Here are some of my suggestions to effectively engage in advocacy at the local, state and federal levels.

Local advocacy:

First, I would identify your local organizations, chambers of commerce, or roofing associations that are actively engaged in advocacy efforts. Attend those meetings, city council sessions and community events to understand local roofing issues.

Second, I would build relationships with local policymakers, council members and representatives to ensure your voice is heard on matters relevant to our industry.

Third, and I think one of the most important ones, is to collaborate with other local roofing contractors, distributors and manufacturers, to amplify your advocacy efforts and strengthen your impact.

State advocacy:

Your local or statewide roofing association is a huge resource for you to have the ability to get involved. Stay informed about state-level legislation, regulations and policies that impact the roofing industry by subscribing to legislative updates, visiting their website, going to monthly meeting and joining the state association.

Utilize Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and other online platforms to raise awareness about state-level issues affecting our industry and mobilize support from others.

Federal advocacy:

Joining the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) will help you stay current on the national roofing issues. Monitor federal legislation, regulations and policy developments that could impact the roofing industry by following relevant congressional committees, regulatory agencies and industry publications like RoofersCoffeeShop.

Engage in advocacy campaigns coordinated by NRCA, like Roofing Day which is coming up in April, industry coalitions, or advocacy organizations that represent your sector at the federal level. During that time, you can contact your congressional representatives and senators to express your views on specific legislative proposals or regulatory actions.

Regardless of the level, effective advocacy requires building relationships with policymakers, staying informed about relevant issues and actively engaging in the policymaking process. By working collaboratively with others in the roofing industry, and advocating for policies that benefit everyone, you can help shape a regulatory environment that supports growth, innovation and prosperity.